Neoplasia Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is NOT a specific tumor marker?

CEA. **Explanation:** The question asks for the marker that is **NOT** a specific tumor marker. In oncology, "specificity" refers to a marker's ability to pinpoint a particular cell type or malignancy. **Why CEA is the Correct Answer:** **Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)** is a classic example of an **oncofetal antigen** [1]. It is highly **non-specific** because it can be elevated in a wide variety of conditions. While most commonly associated with colorectal carcinoma, it is also elevated in cancers of the pancreas, stomach, breast, and lung [2]. Crucially, it also rises in non-neoplastic conditions like heavy smoking, cirrhosis, and inflammatory bowel disease [1]. Therefore, CEA is primarily used for **monitoring treatment response and detecting recurrence**, rather than initial diagnosis [1]. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **CD 99 (MIC2):** A highly specific marker for **Ewing’s Sarcoma** and Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumors (PNET). It shows a characteristic membranous staining pattern. * **HMB 45:** A specific monoclonal antibody used to identify **Melanoma**. It reacts against gp100, a protein found in melanosomes. * **Beta-globulin:** While broad, in the context of specific diagnostic pathology (like Beta-2 Microglobulin), it serves as a specific prognostic marker for **Multiple Myeloma** and certain lymphomas. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Most specific marker for Prostate Cancer:** PSA (though it is organ-specific, not cancer-specific) [2]. * **Calretinin:** Most specific marker for **Mesothelioma**. * **Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP):** Elevated in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) and Yolk Sac Tumors [2]. * **S-100:** A sensitive but non-specific marker for melanoma, neural tumors, and chondroid tumors. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Neoplasia, pp. 319-320. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Neoplasia, p. 346.

Question 1

Which cancer is known to develop in chronic ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Answer

Malignant melanoma

Answer

Basal cell carcinoma

Answer

Kaposi sarcoma

Question 2

What is true regarding carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)?

Accepted Answer

It increases in colon cancer associated with only liver metastasis.

Answer

It is a glycoprotein.

Answer

It helps in knowing recurrence after resection.

Answer

It is usually associated with malignancies of the GI tract.

Question 3

Pulsatile metastases are seen in which cancer?

Accepted Answer

Renal cancer

Answer

Lung cancer

Answer

Prostate cancer

Answer

Breast cancer

Question 4

CEA is a marker for all except?

Accepted Answer

Carcinoma of the prostate

Answer

Carcinoma of the pancreas

Answer

Carcinoma of the colon

Answer

Carcinoma of the lung

Question 5

Chronic, increased exposure to ionizing radiation results in damage to cellular DNA. As a consequence, a protein that normally arrests the cell in the G1 phase of the cell cycle is absent. Subsequently, the cell transforms and acquires unregulated growth. The absent protein is most likely the product of which of the following genes?

Accepted Answer

p53

Answer

RAS

Answer

VHL

Answer

MYC

Question 6

Which of the following conditions is NOT associated with an increased risk of malignancy?

Accepted Answer

Bronchiectasis

Answer

Cholelithiasis

Answer

Ulcerative colitis

Answer

Paget's disease

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a specific tumor marker?

Accepted Answer

CEA

Answer

CD 99

Answer

HMB 45

Answer

beta-globulin

Question 8

All of the following are DNA oncogenic viruses except?

Accepted Answer

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1)

Answer

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)

Answer

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)

Answer

Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)

Question 9

A child presents with an abdominal mass. Biopsy showed a triphasic tumor. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of this tumor?

Accepted Answer

WT1 mutation

Answer

MYCN amplification

Answer

C-MYC overexpression

Answer

RB deletion

Question 10

Which of the following proteins is known as the "guardian of the genome"?

Accepted Answer

p53

Answer

Mdm2

Answer

pl4

Answer

ATM

Neoplasia — MCQs

Neoplasia — MCQs

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