Oncology — MCQs

Q: What is the most common malignant neoplasm of infancy?

Neuroblastoma. **Explanation:** **Neuroblastoma** is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood and the **most common malignant neoplasm of infancy** (defined as children <1 year of age). It originates from primordial neural crest cells of the sympathetic nervous system, most commonly occurring in the adrenal medulla. Its high incidence in infancy is attributed to its embryonal nature; in fact, many cases are congenital or detected during prenatal screening. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Malignant Teratoma:** While teratomas are the most common germ cell tumors in neonates (specifically Sacrococcygeal teratoma), the majority are benign at birth. They do not surpass neuroblastoma in overall malignant frequency during infancy. * **Wilms’ Tumor (Nephroblastoma):** This is the most common primary renal tumor in children, but its peak incidence occurs between **2 to 5 years** of age. It is relatively rare in the first year of life. * **Hepatoblastoma:** This is the most common liver malignancy in children, but it is significantly less common overall than neuroblastoma. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Median age of diagnosis:** 19 months (but it remains the #1 malignancy in the <1-year age group). * **Clinical Feature:** Often presents as a hard, irregular abdominal mass that **crosses the midline** (unlike Wilms’ tumor, which usually does not). * **Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome:** A classic paraneoplastic syndrome associated with neuroblastoma ("dancing eyes, dancing feet"). * **Biomarker:** Elevated urinary catecholamines (VMA and HVA) are found in 90% of cases. * **Prognosis:** Age is a major prognostic factor; infants (<18 months) generally have a much better prognosis, including the possibility of spontaneous regression (Stage 4S).

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Leukemias

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Lymphomas

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CNS Tumors

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Neuroblastoma

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Wilms Tumor

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Rhabdomyosarcoma

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Bone Tumors

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Retinoblastoma

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Histiocytosis Syndromes

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Principles of Pediatric Chemotherapy

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Late Effects of Cancer Treatment

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Oncology — MCQs

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