Neoplasia Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is an oncogene?

RAS. ***RAS*** - RAS is an **oncogene**, not a tumor suppressor gene; it promotes cell proliferation and survival [1]. - Mutations in RAS lead to uncontrolled cell division, contributing to various cancers. *p53* - p53 is a crucial **tumor suppressor gene** responsible for regulating the cell cycle and preventing tumor formation [1,2]. - It functions by inducing apoptosis in cells with damaged DNA, preventing their proliferation [2]. *WT-1* - WT-1 is a **tumor suppressor gene** associated with Wilms' tumor and regulates kidney and gonadal development. - It plays a role in cell growth and differentiation, preventing tumorigenesis when functioning correctly. *Rb* - The Rb gene encodes the **retinoblastoma protein**, a key tumor suppressor that regulates the cell cycle by inhibiting cell division [1,2]. - Loss of Rb function is primarily associated with retinoblastoma and other cancers, indicating its critical role in tumor suppression [1,2]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Neoplasia, pp. 297-301. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. (Basic Pathology) introduces the student to key general principles of pathology, both as a medical science and as a clinical activity with a vital role in patient care. Part 2 (Disease Mechanisms) provides fundamental knowledge about the cellular and molecular processes involved in diseases, providing the rationale for their treatment. Part 3 (Systematic Pathology) deals in detail with specific diseases, with emphasis on the clinically important aspects., pp. 227-228.

Q: Carcinoma originating from glands is called?

Adenocarcinoma. ***Adenocarcinoma*** - Carcinoma that arises from **glandular epithelium** is specifically classified as adenocarcinoma [1]. - It often presents in organs like the **breast**, **prostate**, and **gastrointestinal tract** [4,5]. *Fibrosarcoma* - This is a **malignant tumor** derived from **fibrous connective tissue**, not glands. - Typically occurs in **soft tissues**, and is distinct from epithelial tumors like adenocarcinoma. *Squamous cell carcinoma* - Originates from **squamous epithelial cells** and primarily affects areas such as the **skin** and **mucous membranes** [2]. - It is not associated with glandular structures, differing markedly from adenocarcinoma. *Basal cell carcinoma* - Arises from **basal cells** in the **epidermis** (skin), not from glandular tissue. - It is the most common type of skin cancer and is largely not relevant to glandular origin. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Respiratory Tract Disease, pp. 335-336. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Respiratory Tract Disease, pp. 336-337. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, pp. 777-778. [4] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Alimentary System Disease, pp. 348-349.

Q: Calcified pulmonary metastasis is seen in which carcinoma?

Thyroid carcinoma. ***Thyroid carcinoma*** - **Papillary** and **medullary thyroid carcinomas** can produce **calcified pulmonary metastases**. - In **papillary thyroid cancer**, calcification occurs due to **psammoma bodies** (concentrically laminated calcified structures). - In **medullary thyroid cancer**, calcification can occur through **dystrophic calcification** within the tumor tissue. - Other common causes of calcified lung metastases include **osteosarcoma** and **chondrosarcoma**. *Pancreatic carcinoma* - Pancreatic carcinoma rarely causes **calcified pulmonary metastases**; metastatic lesions are typically **non-calcified**. - Metastases are more commonly found in the **liver** and **peritoneum**. - Primary pancreatic tumors may show calcification, but metastases usually do not. *Endometrial carcinoma* - Endometrial carcinoma metastases to the lungs are usually **non-calcified** and appear as **soft tissue nodules**. - While it can metastasize to the lungs, **calcification** is not a typical feature of its pulmonary spread. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because **thyroid carcinoma** (particularly papillary type) is a well-recognized cause of **calcified pulmonary metastases**. - Among epithelial malignancies, thyroid carcinoma is one of the classic causes of this finding.

Q: Which of the following is commonly associated with osteolytic metastasis?

Breast cancer. ### Breast cancer - **Breast cancer** is the **most common** primary malignancy causing osteolytic bone metastases in clinical practice due to its **high prevalence** and frequent bone tropism [1]. - Breast cancer metastases stimulate **osteoclast activity** leading to bone destruction and **purely lytic lesions** in approximately 80% of cases. - The high incidence of breast cancer makes it the **leading cause** of osteolytic metastases overall. *Renal cell carcinoma* - **Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)** characteristically produces **highly osteolytic, aggressive, and vascular** bone metastases [1]. - While RCC metastases are predominantly lytic, they are **less common** than breast cancer metastases due to lower disease prevalence. - RCC bone metastases often present with **expansile lesions** and high risk of pathological fractures. *Thyroid cancer* - **Thyroid cancer** (especially follicular subtype) produces predominantly **osteolytic metastases** that are often vascular [1]. - However, bone metastases from thyroid cancer are **relatively uncommon** compared to breast cancer due to the rarity of metastatic thyroid disease. *Lung cancer* - Lung cancer bone metastases are typically **mixed osteolytic-osteoblastic lesions** rather than purely lytic. - While common, lung cancer is **less characteristically associated with pure osteolytic lesions** compared to breast, renal, or thyroid cancers [1]. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Osteoarticular And Connective Tissue Disease, pp. 671-672.

Q: Which of the following is a premalignant lesion for carcinoma of the rectum?

Adenomatous polyps. ***Familial polyposis*** - Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is characterized by numerous **adenomatous polyps** in the colon and rectum, which have a high risk of progressing to colorectal cancer [1]. - Individuals with FAP are at significant risk for developing **carcinoma rectum** at a young age if the condition is not managed properly [1]. *Juvenile polyp* - Juvenile polyps are generally **benign** and occur in children, with a very low risk of malignancy. - They do not contribute significantly to the risk of **carcinoma rectum** like adenomatous polyps do. *Adenomatous polyp* - While adenomatous polyps are indeed premalignant [1], the term **Familial polyposis** indicates a hereditary condition that specifically has a higher and more defined risk for rectal carcinoma. - Adenomatous polyps can occur sporadically and do not imply a genetic syndrome like familial polyposis. *FAP* - FAP refers specifically to **familial adenomatous polyposis** [1], which is the same concept as familial polyposis but less encompassed in terms of broad assessment in this context. - It is important to note that **familial polyposis** is a broader term that includes conditions like FAP and indicates a significant risk factor for rectal cancer [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Gastrointestinal Tract, pp. 817, 821-822.

Q: The most common subtype of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in India is:

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma. ***Diffuse large B cell lymphoma*** - It is the most common subtype of **Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma** observed in India, reflecting a higher prevalence in the population. - Characterized by **aggressive clinical behavior** [1] and typically presents as a rapidly enlarging mass, often involving lymph nodes or extranodal sites. *Burkitt's lymphoma* - This subtype is known for its **high proliferation rate** and is more common in specific demographics, such as children and immunocompromised individuals. - It typically presents with **jaw lesions** or abdominal masses, which is not typical in the broader Indian population. *Diffuse small cell lymphocytic lymphoma* - More accurately classified as **chronic lymphocytic leukemia** (CLL), it is not the most common subtype of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. - Characterized by a **milder clinical course** and presents with lymphocytosis in peripheral blood, lacking aggressive features. *Follicular lymphoma* - This is usually a **low-grade lymphoma** associated with **indolent behavior** and may not be the most commonly diagnosed subtype in India. - It typically involves multiple lymph nodes and is characterized by **nodular patterns on histology**, making it less prevalent than diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Follicular lymphoma is rare in Asian populations [2]. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Diseases Of The Urinary And Male Genital Tracts, pp. 563-564. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of White Blood Cells, Lymph Nodes, Spleen, and Thymus, pp. 602-604.

Q: Which of the following is a primary pleural tumor?

Mesothelioma. ***Mesothelioma*** - Mesothelioma is a **primary malignant tumor** of the pleura [1], commonly associated with **asbestos exposure** [2]. - It typically presents with symptoms like **pleuritic chest pain**, dyspnea, and pleural effusion. *Myxoma* - Myxoma is a **benign tumor** primarily found in the **heart**, particularly in the left atrium, not in the pleura. - It does not arise from pleural tissue and lacks the **malignant characteristics** of mesothelioma. *All* - This option suggests that multiple tumors can be primary pleural tumors, which is incorrect as only mesothelioma is recognized as such. - Other tumors like myxoma and lipoma do not originate in the pleura and thus cannot be classified as primary pleural tumors. *Lipoma* - Lipoma is a **benign tumor** made up of adipose tissue [3] and is typically found in *subcutaneous tissue*, not the pleural cavity. - It does not have the malignant potential or association with pleural disease that characterizes mesothelioma. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lung, pp. 728-729. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Respiratory Tract Disease, pp. 339-340. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Bones, Joints, and Soft Tissue Tumors, p. 1222.

Q: Hurthle cell carcinoma is a variant of which type of carcinoma?

Follicular carcinoma. **Follicular carcinoma** - **Hürthle cell carcinoma**, also known as **oxyphilic follicular carcinoma**, is a specific variant of **follicular carcinoma of the thyroid**. - It is characterized by the presence of large polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic, granular cytoplasm known as **Hürthle cells** (or oxyphil cells) within the neoplastic growth. *Medullary carcinoma* - **Medullary carcinoma** originates from the **parafollicular C cells** of the thyroid, which produce calcitonin. - It is histologically distinct, featuring nests or cords of cells often associated with **amyloid deposits**, and is not related to Hürthle cell morphology. *Papillary carcinoma* - **Papillary carcinoma** is the most common type of thyroid cancer, characterized by distinctive **nuclear features** such as **Orphan Annie eye nuclei**, nuclear grooves, and intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions. - Its histological origin and morphological appearance are different from Hürthle cell neoplasms, which are follicular in origin. *Anaplastic carcinoma* - **Anaplastic carcinoma** is a highly aggressive and undifferentiated thyroid malignancy with a very poor prognosis. - It is characterized by pleomorphic, giant, and spindle cells and lacks the specific differentiation seen in follicular or Hürthle cell tumors.

Q: What is a hamartoma?

Developmental malformation. ***Development malformation*** - A **hamartoma** is a type of **benign tumor** that consists of an overgrowth of mature cells, representing a **developmental malformation** [1]. - It is formed from tissues that are normally present in the affected organ but are disorganized, leading to a characteristic appearance. *Malignant tumor* - Hamartomas are classified as **benign tumors** [1], not malignant, as they do not invade surrounding tissues or metastasize. - Despite being a growth, they do not exhibit the aggressive characteristics of malignant tumors. *Hemorrhage in vessel* - Hemorrhage refers to bleeding within a vessel and is unrelated to the definition or nature of a **hamartoma**. - Hamartomas do not consist of blood or bleeding; instead, they involve disorganized tissue growth. *Metastatic tissue* - Metastatic tissue refers to cancerous cells that have spread from their original site, which contrasts with the **non-cancerous** nature of hamartomas [1]. - Hamartomas do not involve the spread of cancer cells, but rather a **local abnormality** in tissue arrangement. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of Infancy and Childhood, pp. 481-482.

Question 1

Which of the following is an oncogene?

Accepted Answer

RAS

Answer

WT-1

Answer

Rb

Answer

p53

Question 2

Carcinoma originating from glands is called?

Accepted Answer

Adenocarcinoma

Answer

Basal cell carcinoma

Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Answer

Fibrosarcoma

Question 3

Which of the following is not an apoptotic gene?

Accepted Answer

n-myc (oncogene)

Answer

Mcl-1

Answer

Bax

Answer

P53

Question 4

Calcified pulmonary metastasis is seen in which carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid carcinoma

Answer

Pancreatic carcinoma

Answer

Endometrial carcinoma

Answer

None of the options

Question 5

Which of the following is commonly associated with osteolytic metastasis?

Accepted Answer

Breast cancer

Answer

Lung cancer

Answer

Renal cell carcinoma

Answer

Thyroid cancer

Question 6

Which of the following is a premalignant lesion for carcinoma of the rectum?

Accepted Answer

Adenomatous polyps

Answer

Juvenile polyposis

Answer

Familial adenomatous polyposis

Answer

Hyperplastic polyps

Question 7

The most common subtype of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in India is:

Accepted Answer

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma

Answer

Diffuse small cell lymphocytic lymphoma

Answer

Follicular lymphoma

Answer

Burkitt's lymphoma

Question 8

Which of the following is a primary pleural tumor?

Accepted Answer

Mesothelioma

Answer

Myxoma

Answer

Lipoma

Answer

None of the options

Question 9

Hurthle cell carcinoma is a variant of which type of carcinoma?

Accepted Answer

Follicular carcinoma

Answer

Medullary carcinoma

Answer

Papillary carcinoma

Answer

Anaplastic carcinoma

Question 10

What is a hamartoma?

Accepted Answer

Developmental malformation

Answer

Malignant tumor

Answer

Metastatic tissue

Answer

Hemorrhage in vessel

Neoplasia — MCQs

Neoplasia — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?