Bladder Cancer — MCQs
A 50 year old male patient came to the outpatient department with complaints of hematuria. A 2 x 2 cm bladder mass is seen which is low grade transitional cell carcinoma. Which among the following is the ideal management?
Which of the following is NOT a recognized cause of Urothelial Carcinomas?
Which of the following stages of lip carcinoma does not have nodal involvement?
Identify the instrument shown in the image.
Urinary bladder can be injured in all of the following operations EXCEPT:
What could be the cause of the condition given in the CT below?
Bladder cancer can occur in those who are working in dye industry for 25 years. Which study design is most appropriate for establishing a causal relationship between dye industry work and bladder cancer?
Patient with clinical signs of DVT had tachycardia and history of bladder cancer. According to modified Well's scoring, the probability of pulmonary embolism would be :
A 70 year old man comes to Emergency with pain lower abdomen and not passing urine for eight hours. He has a past history of urgency, hesitancy and frequency of urine. On examination, he has a lump up to the umbilicus which is slightly tender. What is the next step of management?
A 27-year-old man presents with a left testicular tumor and a 10 cm retroperitoneal lymph node mass. Which of the following is the treatment of choice?
Bladder Cancer Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: A 50 year old male patient came to the outpatient department with complaints of hematuria. A 2 x 2 cm bladder mass is seen which is low grade transitional cell carcinoma. Which among the following is the ideal management?
- A. Resection with ileal conduit
- B. Partial cystectomy with bladder reconstruction
- C. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy
- D. Transurethral resection of the tumour (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Transurethral resection of the tumour*** - For a **low-grade transitional cell carcinoma** that is 2x2 cm and thus considered small and localized, **transurethral resection of the tumor (TURBT)** is the initial and often definitive treatment. - This procedure allows for both **diagnosis** by obtaining tissue samples and **complete removal** of the visible tumor. *Resection with ileal conduit* - This option, involving a **radical cystectomy** and urinary diversion, is a more aggressive treatment reserved for **invasive, high-grade, or recurrent bladder cancers** that cannot be managed by less invasive means. - It would be **overtreatment** for a low-grade, relatively small bladder mass. *Partial cystectomy with bladder reconstruction* - **Partial cystectomy** is considered for solitary, muscle-invasive tumors located away from critical areas (like the trigone) when bladder preservation is desirable. - It is generally not the first-line treatment for **non-muscle-invasive, low-grade tumors** due to the potential for recurrence in the remaining bladder and the morbidity of open surgery compared to TURBT. *Neoadjuvant chemotherapy* - **Neoadjuvant chemotherapy** is typically administered before radical cystectomy for **muscle-invasive bladder cancer** to improve oncologic outcomes. - It is not indicated for **low-grade, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer** which is usually managed surgically first, without systemic chemotherapy.
Question 2: Which of the following is NOT a recognized cause of Urothelial Carcinomas?
- A. Industrial solvents
- B. Exposure to thorotrast
- C. Alcohol consumption (Correct Answer)
- D. Smoking
Explanation: ***Alcohol consumption*** - Research does not support a direct association between **alcohol consumption** and an increased risk of urothelial carcinomas. - While excessive alcohol can lead to other forms of cancer, it is not a recognized risk factor for **bladder cancer** specifically. *Smoking* - Smoking is a well-established risk factor for **urothelial carcinomas**, significantly increasing the risk of **bladder cancer** [1]. - It is responsible for up to **50% of bladder cancer cases**, due to carcinogens in tobacco smoke [1]. *Exposure to thorotrast* - **Thorotrast**, a radiopaque contrast medium, is associated with **radiation exposure**, which is a known risk for urothelial carcinomas [3]. - Its use has been linked to increased incidence of bladder cancer due to radioactive properties [3]. *Industrial solvents* - Exposure to various **industrial solvents** such as **aromatic amines** has been linked to a higher risk of developing urothelial carcinomas [1][2]. - These chemicals are commonly found in **dyes**, **rubber**, and other manufacturing processes [2]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Lower Urinary Tract and Male Genital System, pp. 968-970. [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. 217-218. [3] 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. 216-217.
Question 3: Which of the following stages of lip carcinoma does not have nodal involvement?
- A. T2N1
- B. T3N0 (Correct Answer)
- C. T2N2
- D. T1N1
Explanation: ***T3N0*** - The **'N' classification** in the TNM staging system refers to **nodal involvement**. A stage with **'N0' indicates no regional lymph node metastasis**. - A **T3 lesion** signifies a large primary tumor, but if it's accompanied by **N0**, it means there's no evidence of spread to the lymph nodes. *T2N1* - The **'N1' classification** indicates the presence of **regional lymph node metastasis**, specifically in a **single ipsilateral lymph node** that is 3 cm or less in its greatest dimension. - This stage therefore **does have nodal involvement**, contradicting the premise of the question. *T2N2* - The **'N2' classification** signifies more advanced regional lymph node metastasis, such as a **single ipsilateral lymph node** greater than 3 cm but not more than 6 cm. - It could also refer to **multiple ipsilateral lymph nodes**, none greater than 6 cm, or bilateral/contralateral lymph nodes, none greater than 6 cm. In all these cases, **nodal involvement is present**. *T1N1* - Similar to T2N1, the **'N1' component** in T1N1 indicates the presence of **regional lymph node metastasis** in a single ipsilateral lymph node of 3 cm or less. - Therefore, this stage **does involve nodal spread**, despite having a smaller primary tumor (T1).
Question 4: Identify the instrument shown in the image.
- A. Nephroscope
- B. Cystoscope
- C. Ureteroscope (Correct Answer)
- D. Laparoscope
Explanation: ***Ureteroscope*** - The image distinctly shows a long, thin, flexible scope with a working channel, consistent with a **flexible ureteroscope**. - The presence of a **guidewire** alongside the scope further indicates its use for navigating the narrow and tortuous ureter. *Nephroscope* - A nephroscope is typically a more rigid and wider instrument used for percutaneous access to the **kidney's collecting system**. - Its design is optimized for procedures within the kidney, not for navigating the ureter. *Cystoscope* - A cystoscope is used to visualize the **bladder** and urethra and is generally shorter and thicker than a ureteroscope. - While it can be flexible or rigid, the instrument shown is too long and thin to be a standard cystoscope. *Laparoscope* - A laparoscope is a rigid instrument used for **abdominal surgery**, inserted through the abdominal wall. - Its design and application are entirely different from the instrument shown, which is designed for internal urinary tract procedures.
Question 5: Urinary bladder can be injured in all of the following operations EXCEPT:
- A. Surgery for rectum
- B. Inguinal hernia repair (Correct Answer)
- C. Inguinal lymph node dissection
- D. Hysterectomy
Explanation: ***Inguinal hernia repair*** - While theoretically possible, bladder injury during **inguinal hernia repair** is exceedingly rare, often less than 1% as the bladder is not typically in the direct field of dissection. - The surgical approach for inguinal hernias generally involves layers superficial to the bladder, making direct injury much less common than in pelvic surgeries. - Rare cases occur with **sliding hernias** where the bladder may form part of the hernia sac wall. *Surgery for rectum* - **Anterior resection of the rectum** or abdominoperineal resection involves dissecting close to the bladder's posterior and inferior aspects, particularly the **bladder base** and **ureteral entries**. - Procedures like low anterior resection for rectal cancer pose a significant risk due to the **proximity of the bladder** to the surgical field in the pelvis. *Inguinal lymph node dissection* - **Inguinal lymph node dissection** is primarily a superficial groin procedure involving removal of superficial and deep inguinal nodes. - While bladder injury is **theoretically possible** if dissection extends unusually deep or medially toward the retropubic space, this is **extremely rare** in standard practice. - The risk is significantly lower than pelvic operations but higher than standard inguinal hernia repair due to the extent of dissection. *Hysterectomy* - During a **hysterectomy** (removal of the uterus), the bladder lies anterior and inferior to the uterus and cervix, making it highly susceptible to injury. - The dissection planes for detaching the bladder from the lower uterine segment and cervix pose a substantial risk, especially during **total abdominal hysterectomy** or **vaginal hysterectomy**. - This is one of the **most common** causes of iatrogenic bladder injury.
Question 6: What could be the cause of the condition given in the CT below?
- A. Diverticulosis coli
- B. Ureteric stricture
- C. Carcinoma colon
- D. Bladder outlet obstruction (Correct Answer)
Explanation: **Bladder outlet obstruction** - The CT image (b) shows **significant ascites** (fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity), particularly pooling in the lower abdomen and pelvis. This pattern, combined with the presence of **bilateral hydroureteronephrosis** (dilated ureters and renal pelves) often seen with bladder distension, is highly suggestive of **bladder outlet obstruction** leading to urine reflux and renal complications. - The associated image (a) illustrates the peritoneal fluid pathways, and the CT image depicts extensive fluid accumulation consistent with a chronic process that could be secondary to prolonged obstruction. *Diverticulosis coli* - **Diverticulosis coli** is characterized by the presence of diverticula in the colon and typically does not cause widespread ascites or bilateral hydroureteronephrosis unless there is a severe complication like perforation leading to peritonitis. - The CT image does not provide direct evidence of diverticula or their complications as the primary cause of the depicted ascites and upper urinary tract dilatation. *Ureteric stricture* - A **ureteric stricture** typically causes **unilateral hydroureteronephrosis** (dilatation of the ureter and kidney on one side) proximal to the stricture. - The image shows **bilateral hydroureteronephrosis** and extensive ascites, which are not characteristic findings of a solitary ureteric stricture. *Carcinoma colon* - **Carcinoma of the colon** can cause ascites if it metastasizes to the peritoneum (peritoneal carcinomatosis) or if it obstructs lymphatic flow. - While colonic carcinoma can cause ascites, it typically does **not directly lead to bilateral hydroureteronephrosis** unless it causes direct compression of both ureters in the pelvis, which would likely also present with other signs of the primary tumor, which are not clearly evident as the primary cause here.
Question 7: Bladder cancer can occur in those who are working in dye industry for 25 years. Which study design is most appropriate for establishing a causal relationship between dye industry work and bladder cancer?
- A. Cross-sectional study
- B. Case-control study
- C. Cohort study (Correct Answer)
- D. Randomized control trial
Explanation: ***Cohort study*** - A **cohort study** tracks a group of individuals exposed to a risk factor (dye industry work) and a group not exposed over time to see who develops the outcome (bladder cancer). - This design allows for the calculation of **incidence rates** and relative risk, which are crucial for establishing a causal link, especially when the exposure is rare or specific. - Cohort studies establish **temporal relationship** (exposure precedes disease) and can demonstrate a **dose-response relationship**, both essential for proving causality. *Cross-sectional study* - A **cross-sectional study** assesses exposure and outcome simultaneously at a single point in time, making it difficult to determine the temporal sequence of events. - While it can identify associations, it cannot definitively establish a **cause-and-effect relationship** because it doesn't observe outcomes developing over time. *Case-control study* - A **case-control study** compares individuals with the outcome (cases) to individuals without the outcome (controls) and retrospectively looks for differences in past exposures. - While useful for studying **rare diseases** and can suggest associations, it is prone to **recall bias** regarding exposure history and cannot establish causality as definitively as cohort studies. *Randomized control trial* - A **randomized controlled trial (RCT)** involves randomly assigning participants to an intervention group or a control group and following them prospectively. - While RCTs provide the strongest evidence for causality, it would be **unethical** to intentionally expose people to a known carcinogen like dye industry chemicals for research purposes.
Question 8: Patient with clinical signs of DVT had tachycardia and history of bladder cancer. According to modified Well's scoring, the probability of pulmonary embolism would be :
- A. Low
- B. High
- C. Intermediate (Correct Answer)
- D. Intermediate
Explanation: **Intermediate** - Clinical signs of **DVT (3 points)**, **tachycardia (heart rate > 100 bpm, 1.5 points)**, and a history of **cancer (1 point)** sum up to 5.5 points, which falls within the range for an intermediate probability (2-6 points) on the modified Well's score for PE. - The modified Well's criteria assigns specific points for risk factors and clinical findings, guiding the diagnostic approach for pulmonary embolism [1]. *Low* - A low probability for PE according to the modified Well's score is indicated by a total score of **less than 2 points** [1]. - The patient's presentation accumulates significantly more points than this threshold due to multiple contributing factors. *High* - A high probability for PE according to the modified Well's score is indicated by a total score of **greater than 6 points** [1]. - The patient's score of 5.5 points does not meet this threshold, placing them in the intermediate category.
Question 9: A 70 year old man comes to Emergency with pain lower abdomen and not passing urine for eight hours. He has a past history of urgency, hesitancy and frequency of urine. On examination, he has a lump up to the umbilicus which is slightly tender. What is the next step of management?
- A. Per urethral catheterise the patient (Correct Answer)
- B. Get an urgent USG
- C. Start antibiotics
- D. Per rectal examination
Explanation: ***Per urethral catheterise the patient*** - The patient presents with **acute urinary retention**, indicated by the inability to pass urine for eight hours and a tender palpable bladder up to the umbilicus. - **Catheterization** is the immediate and most effective way to relieve bladder distension, pain, and prevent potential kidney damage. *Get an urgent USG* - While a **ultrasound** can confirm bladder distention and identify underlying causes, it is not the immediate priority. - Relieving the obstruction takes precedence over diagnostic imaging in **acute urinary retention**. *Start antibiotics* - There are no specific signs of infection (e.g., fever, dysuria) to necessitate **immediate antibiotic administration**. - While urinary retention can increase the risk of infection, **antibiotics** should be reserved for confirmed infections or as prophylaxis after catheterization in high-risk patients. *Per rectal examination* - A **per rectal examination** would be performed as part of the initial assessment to evaluate the prostate in a male patient with urinary symptoms. - However, it does not directly address the immediate need to relieve the **urinary obstruction** in acute retention.
Question 10: A 27-year-old man presents with a left testicular tumor and a 10 cm retroperitoneal lymph node mass. Which of the following is the treatment of choice?
- A. Radiotherapy
- B. Chemotherapy alone
- C. Immunotherapy with interferon and interleukin
- D. Radical inguinal orchiectomy plus chemotherapy (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Radical inguinal orchiectomy plus chemotherapy*** - For a suspected testicular tumor, the initial diagnostic and therapeutic step is a **radical inguinal orchiectomy** (high ligation of spermatic cord via inguinal approach) to avoid tumor seeding into the scrotum. - Given the presence of a 10 cm **retroperitoneal lymph node mass**, indicating bulky metastatic disease, **chemotherapy** (typically BEP regimen) is essential post-orchiectomy to address systemic spread. *Radiotherapy* - Radiotherapy may be used for specific stages of **seminoma**, but it is generally less effective for non-seminomatous germ cell tumors and is not the primary treatment for bulky metastatic disease (>5 cm). - It does not address the primary tumor in the testis directly and has higher long-term toxicities compared to chemotherapy for disseminated disease. *Chemotherapy alone* - While chemotherapy is crucial for metastatic testicular cancer, it cannot alone remove the primary tumor in the testis, which would leave a source of ongoing disease. - A **radical orchiectomy** is necessary to confirm the diagnosis, obtain tissue for histopathological staging, and remove the primary tumor. *Immunotherapy with interferon and interleukin* - **Immunotherapy** is generally not a first-line treatment for testicular germ cell tumors. - Standard treatment relies on platinum-based chemotherapy, which has excellent cure rates even in metastatic disease. Immunotherapy has limited role in testicular cancer management.
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