UPSC-CMS 2009 - Pathology PYQs Practice Questions

Q: In a patient with breast cancer, the following are poor prognostic factors except

Absence of epidermal growth factor receptor. ***Absence of epidermal growth factor receptor*** - The **absence of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR/HER1) overexpression** is associated with a **better prognosis** in breast cancer. - **EGFR overexpression** is more commonly seen in aggressive breast cancers, particularly **triple-negative breast cancers** (ER-negative, PR-negative, HER2-negative), and is associated with poor outcomes [2]. - When EGFR is absent or not overexpressed, the tumor tends to have less aggressive biological behavior. *Aneuploid status* - **Aneuploid status** (abnormal chromosome number) is a well-recognized **poor prognostic factor** in breast cancer, indicating genetic instability and aggressive tumor behavior [2]. - It is associated with **increased risk of recurrence** and poorer response to therapy. *Age less than 35 years* - **Younger age** (less than 35 years) at diagnosis is a **poor prognostic factor** for breast cancer. - This is often due to more aggressive tumor biology, **higher grade tumors**, hormone receptor negativity, and delayed diagnosis in younger women. *High grade* - A **high histological grade** (Grade III) indicates a more aggressive tumor with rapid cell division, marked nuclear pleomorphism, and poor differentiation, signifying a **poor prognosis** [1]. - High-grade tumors are more likely to metastasize and have higher recurrence rates. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Liver And Biliary System Disease, pp. 458-459. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Breast, pp. 1064-1066. [Practice more Pathology PYQs on OnCourse]

Question 1

In a patient with breast cancer, the following are poor prognostic factors except

Accepted Answer

Absence of epidermal growth factor receptor

Answer

Aneuploid status

Answer

Age less than 35 years

Answer

High grade

Question 2

Consider the following:

1. Cholesterolosis
2. Adenomyomatosis
3. Polyposis
4. Cholelithiasis

To which of the above does cholecystoses refer to?

Accepted Answer

1 and 2 only

Answer

1 and 3 only

Answer

1, 2 and 3

Answer

2, 3 and 4

Question 3

The following disorders are predisposing conditions for carcinoma of the colon except

Accepted Answer

Escherichia coli

Answer

Villous adenoma

Answer

Familial polyposis coli

Answer

Peutz-Jeghers syndrome

Question 4

Folic acid deficiency is characterized by the following features except

Accepted Answer

Microcytes

Answer

Macrocytes

Answer

Howell-Jolly bodies

Answer

Hypersegmented neutrophils

UPSC-CMS 2009 — Pathology