A 60-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by ambulance after suffering a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. The seizure lasted 2 minutes, followed by a short period of unresponsiveness and loud breathing. Her blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg, the heart rate is 76/min, and the respiratory rate is 15/min and regular. On physical examination, the patient is confused but follows commands and cannot recall recent events. The patient does not present with any other neurological deficits. T1/T2 MRI of the brain demonstrates a hypointense, contrast-enhancing mass within the right frontal lobe, surrounded by significant cerebral edema. Which of the following would you expect in the tissue surrounding the described lesion?
Q112
A 61-year-old man comes to the physician because of a 2-month history of a cough productive of clear mucoid sputum. He has smoked one pack of cigarettes daily for 33 years. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. Chest x-ray shows a 2-cm solid nodule in the periphery of the lower left lobe. A bronchial biopsy of the mass shows numerous mucin-filled epithelial cells lining the alveolar basement membrane. The cells have prominent nucleoli, coarse chromatin, and some cells have multiple nuclei. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Q113
A 62-year-old man comes to the physician because of a growth on his penis that has been gradually increasing in size over the last year. He was diagnosed with HIV 10 years ago. He has been divorced for 25 years and has had “at least 30 sexual partners” since. Physical examination shows a nontender 2.5-cm ulcerated lesion with an erythematous base on the dorsum of the glans. There is firm left inguinal lymphadenopathy. A biopsy of the lesion shows small uniform basophilic cells with central necrosis that invade into the corpus cavernosum. This patient's condition is most likely associated with which of the following pathogens?
Q114
A 61-year-old man comes to the physician because of a 6-month history of epigastric pain and a 9-kg (20-lb) weight loss. He feels full and bloated even after eating small portions of food. His hemoglobin concentration is 9.5 g/dL with a mean corpuscular volume of 78 μm3. Test of the stool for occult blood is positive. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy shows a 2-cm raised lesion with central ulceration on the lesser curvature of the stomach. Histologic examination of a gastric biopsy specimen from the lesion is most likely to show which of the following?
Q115
A 59-year-old Caucasian man presents with a one-month history of left flank fullness and pain. The patient has stable angina, which is controlled with medications including atorvastatin, metoprolol, and aspirin. His vital signs are within normal limits. BMI is 32 kg/m2. Clinical examination reveals a 10 x 10-cm palpable mass in the left flank. Testicular examination indicates left varicocele. Laboratory parameters are as follows:
Urine
Blood 3+
WBC none
RBC 65/hpf without dysmorphic features
Abdominal CT scan confirms the presence of a large solid mass originating in the left kidney with impingement on the left renal vein. Based on the most likely diagnosis, which of the following is considered a risk factor in this patient?
Q116
A 69-year-old man comes to the physician because of a 4-month history of progressive fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, and a 6.6-kg (14.5-lb) weight loss. For the past week, he has had blood-tinged sputum. He is a retired demolition foreman. There is dullness to percussion and decreased breath sounds over the left lung base. A CT scan of the chest shows a left-sided pleural effusion and circumferential pleural thickening with calcifications on the left hemithorax. Pathologic examination of a biopsy specimen of the thickened tissue is most likely to show which of the following findings?
Q117
A 57-year-old woman with a long-standing history of liver cirrhosis presents to her primary care provider with a complaint of unintended weight loss of 8.2 kg (18.0 lb) within the last month. She has a history of intermittent right upper quadrant pain in her abdomen with decreased appetite for a few years and occasional shortness of breath. The past medical history is significant for hepatitis E infection during her first pregnancy when she was 28 years old, and a history of blood transfusion after an accident 25 years ago. She drinks about 2–3 pints of beer every week on average and does not use tobacco. The vital signs include: blood pressure 110/68 mm Hg, pulse rate 82/min, respiratory rate 11/min, and temperature 37.7 °C (99.9°F). The physical exam is normal except for moderate icterus and tender hepatomegaly. The blood tests show mild anemia with decreased iron stores. Serum electrolytes, blood sugar, and renal function are normal. The chest X-ray is normal. An ultrasound of the abdomen revealed a mass in the liver, which was confirmed with a biopsy to be hepatocellular carcinoma. Which of the following is the strongest causative factor that can be linked to her diagnosis?
Q118
A 75-year-old male presents to his primary care physician complaining of epigastric pain. He has developed progressively worsening epigastric pain, heartburn, and nausea over the past five months. The pain does not change with meals and is not positional. He also reports that he is rarely hungry and has lost ten pounds. The patient immigrated from Japan two years ago to live with his son in the United States. He worked as a fisherman and dock worker for most of his life. His past medical history is notable for gout and gastroesophageal reflux disease. He takes allopurinol and cimetidine. He has a 30 pack-year smoking history and drinks 1-2 alcoholic beverages per day. Physical examination reveals mild epigastric tenderness to palpation and a hard lymph node near his left shoulder. Which of the following substances is most strongly associated with this patient’s condition?
Q119
A 52-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 1-month history of mild fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath. She has no history of serious medical illness and takes no medications. Cardiopulmonary examination shows a mid-diastolic plopping sound heard best at the apex and bilateral rales at the base of the lungs. Echocardiography shows a pedunculated, heterogeneous mass in the left atrium. A biopsy of the mass shows clusters of mesenchymal cells surrounded by gelatinous material. Further evaluation of this patient is most likely to show which of the following?
Q120
A 3-year-old girl is brought to the physician by her parents due to observations of rapid, random, horizontal and vertical eye movements along with occasional jerking movements of her limbs and head. CT scan reveals an abdominal mass that crosses the midline. Further work-up reveals elevated 24-hour urinary homovanillic acid and vanillylmandelic acid. Neuroblastoma is suspected. Which of the following diseases pathologically originates from the same type of cells as Neuroblastoma?
Neoplasia US Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 111: A 60-year-old woman is brought to the emergency department by ambulance after suffering a generalized tonic-clonic seizure. The seizure lasted 2 minutes, followed by a short period of unresponsiveness and loud breathing. Her blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg, the heart rate is 76/min, and the respiratory rate is 15/min and regular. On physical examination, the patient is confused but follows commands and cannot recall recent events. The patient does not present with any other neurological deficits. T1/T2 MRI of the brain demonstrates a hypointense, contrast-enhancing mass within the right frontal lobe, surrounded by significant cerebral edema. Which of the following would you expect in the tissue surrounding the described lesion?
A. Loss of endothelial tight junctions (Correct Answer)
B. Replacement of interstitial fluid with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
C. Increased intracellular concentrations of osmolytes
D. Upregulation of aquaporin-4
E. Increased interstitial fluid low in protein
Explanation: ***Loss of endothelial tight junctions***
- The presence of a **contrast-enhancing mass** with surrounding edema suggests **vasogenic edema**, which is caused by the disruption of the **blood-brain barrier (BBB)**.
- This disruption primarily involves the **loss of tight junctions** between endothelial cells, allowing plasma proteins and fluid to leak into the interstitial space.
*Replacement of interstitial fluid with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)*
- **CSF** is produced by the choroid plexus and flows through the ventricular system and subarachnoid space; it does not replace interstitial fluid within the brain parenchyma.
- While disruptions can occur, the primary mechanism of edema in this context is leakage from blood vessels, not direct replacement by CSF.
*Increased intracellular concentrations of osmolytes*
- This describes the mechanism of **cytotoxic edema**, where intracellular swelling occurs due to **cellular dysfunction** (e.g., ischemia) and the accumulation of osmolytes within cells.
- However, the patient's MRI findings of a **contrast-enhancing mass** and significant surrounding edema are more consistent with **vasogenic edema**, which is extracellular.
*Upregulation of aquaporin-4*
- **Aquaporin-4** channels are involved in water transport and are primarily associated with the development of **cytotoxic edema** or hydrocephalic edema by facilitating water movement across cell membranes.
- In **vasogenic edema**, the primary issue is the **breakdown of the BBB** and leakage of fluid and proteins, rather than altered aquaporin expression as the initial cause.
*Increased interstitial fluid low in protein*
- While there is **increased interstitial fluid**, the fluid in **vasogenic edema** is typically **rich in protein** (plasma proteins) because the **blood-brain barrier** is compromised.
- Fluid that is **low in protein** is characteristic of **hydrocephalic edema**, where CSF transudates into the periventricular white matter due to increased ventricular pressure.
Question 112: A 61-year-old man comes to the physician because of a 2-month history of a cough productive of clear mucoid sputum. He has smoked one pack of cigarettes daily for 33 years. Physical examination shows no abnormalities. Chest x-ray shows a 2-cm solid nodule in the periphery of the lower left lobe. A bronchial biopsy of the mass shows numerous mucin-filled epithelial cells lining the alveolar basement membrane. The cells have prominent nucleoli, coarse chromatin, and some cells have multiple nuclei. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Endobronchial tuberculosis
B. Pulmonary hamartoma
C. Small cell carcinoma
D. Carcinoid tumor
E. Adenocarcinoma in situ (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Adenocarcinoma in situ***
- The presence of **mucin-filled epithelial cells** lining the **alveolar basement membrane** (**lepidic growth pattern**) is characteristic of adenocarcinoma in situ.
- **Prominent nucleoli**, **coarse chromatin**, and **multinucleated cells** suggest malignancy, and the nodule's peripheral location is typical for adenocarcinomas.
*Endobronchial tuberculosis*
- While it can cause a productive cough and lung nodules, the biopsy findings of **mucin-filled epithelial cells** and specific cytological features of malignancy are inconsistent with tuberculosis.
- Tuberculosis usually shows **granulomas**, **caseation necrosis**, or acid-fast bacilli on biopsy.
*Pulmonary hamartoma*
- A hamartoma is a **benign tumor** composed of disorganized mature tissues, typically containing **cartilage**, fat, and connective tissue.
- It would not show the distinct **mucin-filled epithelial cells** or the malignant cytological features described.
*Small cell carcinoma*
- Small cell carcinoma typically presents as a **central mass** and is characterized by small, **undifferentiated cells** with scant cytoplasm and high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio.
- It does not exhibit the **mucin production** or the lepidic growth pattern seen in this case.
*Carcinoid tumor*
- Carcinoid tumors are **neuroendocrine tumors** that typically display nests or cords of uniform, small cells with "salt-and-pepper" chromatin.
- They are usually located centrally and do not show the **mucin-filled epithelial cells** or the aggressive cytological features described.
Question 113: A 62-year-old man comes to the physician because of a growth on his penis that has been gradually increasing in size over the last year. He was diagnosed with HIV 10 years ago. He has been divorced for 25 years and has had “at least 30 sexual partners” since. Physical examination shows a nontender 2.5-cm ulcerated lesion with an erythematous base on the dorsum of the glans. There is firm left inguinal lymphadenopathy. A biopsy of the lesion shows small uniform basophilic cells with central necrosis that invade into the corpus cavernosum. This patient's condition is most likely associated with which of the following pathogens?
A. Chlamydia trachomatis
B. Haemophilus ducreyi
C. Epstein-Barr virus
D. Human papillomavirus (Correct Answer)
E. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Explanation: ***Human papillomavirus***
- The description of a slowly growing, ulcerated penile lesion with inguinal lymphadenopathy in an HIV-positive man with multiple sexual partners is highly suggestive of **penile squamous cell carcinoma**, which is strongly associated with **human papillomavirus (HPV)** infection.
- The biopsy findings of "small uniform basophilic cells with central necrosis invading into the corpus cavernosum" are consistent with a poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, often linked to high-risk HPV types.
*Chlamydia trachomatis*
- This pathogen causes **urethritis**, **cervicitis**, and **lymphogranuloma venereum**, which presents with painful lymphadenopathy and anogenital ulcers, but typically not a slowly growing, ulcerated mass like the one described.
- The histological description does not fit the typical presentation of complications from *Chlamydia trachomatis* infection.
*Haemophilus ducreyi*
- This bacterium is the cause of **chancroid**, which presents as painful, ragged ulcers with tender inguinal lymphadenopathy.
- While it causes ulcers and lymphadenopathy, the clinical presentation and biopsy findings of a chronic, slowly enlarging, infiltrative lesion are not typical of chancroid.
*Epstein-Barr virus*
- While Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with several cancers, including **nasopharyngeal carcinoma**, **Burkitt lymphoma**, and **post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder**, it is not a known cause of penile squamous cell carcinoma.
- The clinical and histological features do not align with EBV-associated malignancies.
*Neisseria gonorrhoeae*
- This bacterium primarily causes **urethritis**, **cervicitis**, and **disseminated gonococcal infection**.
- It does not cause chronic, slowly enlarging ulcerated lesions on the penis that progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
Question 114: A 61-year-old man comes to the physician because of a 6-month history of epigastric pain and a 9-kg (20-lb) weight loss. He feels full and bloated even after eating small portions of food. His hemoglobin concentration is 9.5 g/dL with a mean corpuscular volume of 78 μm3. Test of the stool for occult blood is positive. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy shows a 2-cm raised lesion with central ulceration on the lesser curvature of the stomach. Histologic examination of a gastric biopsy specimen from the lesion is most likely to show which of the following?
A. Mucin-filled round cells
B. Gland-forming cuboidal cells (Correct Answer)
C. Neutrophilic infiltration with pit abscesses
D. Lymphocytic aggregates with noncaseating granulomas
E. Foveolar and smooth muscle hyperplasia
Explanation: ***Gland-forming cuboidal cells***
- The patient's symptoms (epigastric pain, weight loss, early satiety, anemia, and positive occult blood in stool) along with the endoscopic finding of a raised, ulcerated lesion on the lesser curvature are highly suggestive of **gastric adenocarcinoma**.
- Gastric adenocarcinoma is characterized histologically by **malignant glandular proliferation** with cuboidal or columnar cells forming irregular glands, often with varying degrees of differentiation.
*Mucin-filled round cells*
- This description is characteristic of **signet-ring cell carcinoma**, a specific poorly differentiated subtype of gastric adenocarcinoma.
- While signet-ring cells are a type of gastric cancer, the more general and common histological pattern for gastric adenocarcinoma involves **glandular formation** by cuboidal or columnar cells, making the gland-forming option a broader and typically more direct answer for gastric adenocarcinoma unless specified as diffuse type.
*Neutrophilic infiltration with pit abscesses*
- This histological pattern is indicative of **acute gastritis** or **H. pylori infection**.
- While *H. pylori* is a risk factor for gastric cancer, these findings are not consistent with a malignant tumor presenting with significant weight loss and a mass.
*Lymphocytic aggregates with noncaseating granulomas*
- This finding is characteristic of **Crohn's disease** or other **granulomatous conditions**, not gastric cancer.
- Noncaseating granulomas are not typically seen in gastric adenocarcinoma.
*Foveolar and smooth muscle hyperplasia*
- This describes a **hyperplastic gastric polyp** or a **Menetrier's disease**-like pattern (giant rugal hypertrophy).
- While these conditions can be associated with gastric symptoms, they are not typically malignant lesions causing significant weight loss and a distinct ulcerated mass, as seen in this patient.
Question 115: A 59-year-old Caucasian man presents with a one-month history of left flank fullness and pain. The patient has stable angina, which is controlled with medications including atorvastatin, metoprolol, and aspirin. His vital signs are within normal limits. BMI is 32 kg/m2. Clinical examination reveals a 10 x 10-cm palpable mass in the left flank. Testicular examination indicates left varicocele. Laboratory parameters are as follows:
Urine
Blood 3+
WBC none
RBC 65/hpf without dysmorphic features
Abdominal CT scan confirms the presence of a large solid mass originating in the left kidney with impingement on the left renal vein. Based on the most likely diagnosis, which of the following is considered a risk factor in this patient?
A. Obesity (Correct Answer)
B. Varicocele
C. Atorvastatin
D. Lynch syndrome
E. Caucasian race
Explanation: ***Obesity***
- This patient's **BMI of 32 kg/m2** indicates **obesity**, which is a well-established risk factor for **renal cell carcinoma (RCC)**, the most likely diagnosis given the clinical presentation (flank mass, hematuria, varicocele, and CT findings).
- Obesity is thought to increase RCC risk due to associated hormonal changes, such as increased **estrogen** and **insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)**, and chronic inflammation.
*Varicocele*
- While a **left varicocele** is a clinical finding often associated with **renal cell carcinoma**, particularly on the left side due to impingement on the left renal vein, it is a **symptom/sign** of the disease, not a risk factor for its development.
- The varicocele develops because the tumor obstructs the **left renal vein**, leading to retrograde flow and dilation of the **gonadal vein**.
*Atorvastatin*
- **Atorvastatin**, a statin used to treat hyperlipidemia and prevent cardiovascular disease, has **no known association** with an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma.
- Some studies even suggest a potential **protective effect** of statins against certain cancers, but this is not definitively established for RCC, and certainly not a risk factor.
*Lynch syndrome*
- **Lynch syndrome** (hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) is primarily associated with an increased risk of **colorectal cancer**, **endometrial cancer**, and other gastrointestinal/genitourinary cancers, but **not renal cell carcinoma**.
- Renal cell carcinoma is more commonly linked to other genetic syndromes like **Von Hippel-Lindau disease** or **hereditary papillary renal carcinoma**.
*Caucasian race*
- While there are some **racial disparities** in certain cancer incidences, the **Caucasian race itself is not considered a primary modifiable risk factor** for renal cell carcinoma.
- **African Americans** may have a slightly higher risk for RCC, but this is often attributed to socioeconomic factors and comorbidities rather than race as an independent biological risk factor.
Question 116: A 69-year-old man comes to the physician because of a 4-month history of progressive fatigue, cough, shortness of breath, and a 6.6-kg (14.5-lb) weight loss. For the past week, he has had blood-tinged sputum. He is a retired demolition foreman. There is dullness to percussion and decreased breath sounds over the left lung base. A CT scan of the chest shows a left-sided pleural effusion and circumferential pleural thickening with calcifications on the left hemithorax. Pathologic examination of a biopsy specimen of the thickened tissue is most likely to show which of the following findings?
A. Keratin-producing large polygonal cells with intercellular bridges
B. Calretinin-positive polygonal cells with numerous long surface microvilli (Correct Answer)
C. Napsin-positive cells in an acinar growth pattern with intracytoplasmic mucin
D. Synaptophysin-positive dark blue cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and scarce cytoplasm
E. Large polygonal cells with prominent nucleoli and abundant pale cytoplasm
Explanation: ***Calretinin-positive polygonal cells with numerous long surface microvilli***
- The patient's history of **demolition work (asbestos exposure)**, progressive fatigue, weight loss, cough, shortness of breath, blood-tinged sputum, and imaging showing **pleural effusion** and **circumferential pleural thickening with calcifications** are highly suggestive of **mesothelioma**.
- **Mesothelioma** typically presents with **calretinin positivity** on immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy reveals **long, slender microvilli** on the surface of polygonal or spindle-shaped tumor cells.
*Keratin-producing large polygonal cells with intercellular bridges*
- This description is characteristic of **squamous cell carcinoma**, which is often associated with smoking but less directly with asbestos exposure in the presented manner.
- While squamous cell carcinoma can involve the lung, the specific pleural findings and asbestos exposure history point away from this diagnosis.
*Napsin-positive cells in an acinar growth pattern with intracytoplasmic mucin*
- This describes **adenocarcinoma**, which is positive for **napsin A** and typically presents with an acinar growth pattern and mucin production.
- While asbestos exposure increases the risk of lung adenocarcinoma, the clinical and radiological presentation (especially circumferential pleural thickening) is more classic for mesothelioma.
*Synaptophysin-positive dark blue cells with hyperchromatic nuclei and scarce cytoplasm*
- This morphology and immunohistochemical marker (synaptophysin) are characteristic of **small cell carcinoma**, a highly aggressive neuroendocrine tumor.
- Small cell carcinoma is strongly linked to smoking but less so directly to asbestos, and its typical presentation differs from the described pleural involvement.
*Large polygonal cells with prominent nucleoli and abundant pale cytoplasm*
- This description is vague but could represent various types of **large cell carcinoma**.
- Without more specific immunohistochemical markers or architectural patterns, it's a less precise diagnosis compared to the strong evidence for mesothelioma.
Question 117: A 57-year-old woman with a long-standing history of liver cirrhosis presents to her primary care provider with a complaint of unintended weight loss of 8.2 kg (18.0 lb) within the last month. She has a history of intermittent right upper quadrant pain in her abdomen with decreased appetite for a few years and occasional shortness of breath. The past medical history is significant for hepatitis E infection during her first pregnancy when she was 28 years old, and a history of blood transfusion after an accident 25 years ago. She drinks about 2–3 pints of beer every week on average and does not use tobacco. The vital signs include: blood pressure 110/68 mm Hg, pulse rate 82/min, respiratory rate 11/min, and temperature 37.7 °C (99.9°F). The physical exam is normal except for moderate icterus and tender hepatomegaly. The blood tests show mild anemia with decreased iron stores. Serum electrolytes, blood sugar, and renal function are normal. The chest X-ray is normal. An ultrasound of the abdomen revealed a mass in the liver, which was confirmed with a biopsy to be hepatocellular carcinoma. Which of the following is the strongest causative factor that can be linked to her diagnosis?
A. Shortness of breath
B. Hemochromatosis
C. History of blood transfusion (Correct Answer)
D. History of hepatitis E
E. History of alcohol consumption
Explanation: ***History of blood transfusion***
- Blood transfusions before **1992** were a significant risk factor for **hepatitis C virus (HCV)** transmission, which is a major cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Given the patient's age and history of transfusion 25 years ago, it is highly probable she acquired HCV, leading to her current diagnosis.
*Shortness of breath*
- While shortness of breath can be associated with advanced liver disease (e.g., **hepatopulmonary syndrome**), it is a symptom, not a direct causative factor for hepatocellular carcinoma.
- There is no direct causal link between experiencing shortness of breath and the development of liver cancer.
*Hemochromatosis*
- **Hemochromatosis** is a genetic disorder causing **iron overload**, which can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- However, the patient's blood tests show **decreased iron stores** (mild anemia with decreased iron), ruling out hemochromatosis as a causative factor.
*History of hepatitis E*
- **Hepatitis E virus (HEV)** typically causes **acute, self-limiting hepatitis** and is rarely associated with chronic liver disease or hepatocellular carcinoma, especially in immunocompetent individuals.
- Chronic HEV infection primarily occurs in **immunocompromised patients** or in certain genotypes, which is not suggested by the patient's history.
*History of alcohol consumption*
- While excessive **alcohol consumption** is a well-known risk factor for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, the patient's reported intake of **2-3 pints of beer per week** is considered moderate and unlikely to be the primary cause of her long-standing liver cirrhosis.
- This level of alcohol consumption would typically not lead to significant **alcoholic liver disease** over time.
Question 118: A 75-year-old male presents to his primary care physician complaining of epigastric pain. He has developed progressively worsening epigastric pain, heartburn, and nausea over the past five months. The pain does not change with meals and is not positional. He also reports that he is rarely hungry and has lost ten pounds. The patient immigrated from Japan two years ago to live with his son in the United States. He worked as a fisherman and dock worker for most of his life. His past medical history is notable for gout and gastroesophageal reflux disease. He takes allopurinol and cimetidine. He has a 30 pack-year smoking history and drinks 1-2 alcoholic beverages per day. Physical examination reveals mild epigastric tenderness to palpation and a hard lymph node near his left shoulder. Which of the following substances is most strongly associated with this patient’s condition?
A. Asbestos
B. Vinyl chloride
C. Aflatoxin
D. Naphthalene
E. Nitrosamine (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Nitrosamine***
- This patient presents with **epigastric pain**, **heartburn**, **nausea**, **anorexia**, and **weight loss**, suggestive of **gastric adenocarcinoma**. His history of being from Japan and his occupation as a fisherman, along with a hard lymph node near his left shoulder (likely a **Virchow node**), further support this diagnosis. **Nitrosamines** are potent carcinogens found in cured and pickled foods, which are common in the traditional Japanese diet.
- **Nitrosamines** are directly linked to an increased risk of developing **gastric cancer**.
*Asbestos*
- **Asbestos** exposure is primarily associated with **mesothelioma** and **lung cancer**, not gastric adenocarcinoma.
- While previous occupations involving exposure to various toxins are relevant, his symptoms and specific demographic/lifestyle factors point away from asbestos as the primary culprit for this gastric presentation.
*Vinyl chloride*
- **Vinyl chloride** exposure is strongly linked to **hepatic angiosarcoma**, a rare liver cancer.
- It is not associated with gastric adenocarcinoma.
*Aflatoxin*
- **Aflatoxins**, produced by certain molds, are powerful **hepatocarcinogens** and are primarily associated with **hepatocellular carcinoma**.
- They are typically found in contaminated grains and nuts, and are not a direct risk factor for gastric cancer.
*Naphthalene*
- **Naphthalene** is a component of mothballs and is associated with **hemolytic anemia** (in individuals with G6PD deficiency) and, in chronic high-dose exposure, irritation of the respiratory tract, not gastric cancer.
- It does not have a known association with gastric adenocarcinoma.
Question 119: A 52-year-old woman comes to the physician because of a 1-month history of mild fever, fatigue, and shortness of breath. She has no history of serious medical illness and takes no medications. Cardiopulmonary examination shows a mid-diastolic plopping sound heard best at the apex and bilateral rales at the base of the lungs. Echocardiography shows a pedunculated, heterogeneous mass in the left atrium. A biopsy of the mass shows clusters of mesenchymal cells surrounded by gelatinous material. Further evaluation of this patient is most likely to show which of the following?
A. Malignant pleural effusion
B. Axillary lymphadenopathy
C. Increased S100 protein serum concentration
D. Increased IL-6 serum concentration (Correct Answer)
E. Ash-leaf skin lesions
Explanation: ***Increased IL-6 serum concentration***
- This patient's presentation with **fever**, **fatigue**, **shortness of breath**, and a **pedunculated left atrial mass** on echocardiography is highly suggestive of a **cardiac myxoma**.
- **Cardiac myxomas** are known to secrete various cytokines, including **IL-6**, which can cause constitutional symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and weight loss.
*Malignant pleural effusion*
- While pleural effusions can cause shortness of breath, a **malignant pleural effusion** is usually associated with an underlying malignancy, and the described cardiac mass is benign.
- The patient's symptoms are more directly attributable to the **obstructive effects** and **cytokine secretion** of the left atrial myxoma.
*Axillary lymphadenopathy*
- **Axillary lymphadenopathy** would suggest an infection or malignancy in the upper extremity or breast, which is not supported by the patient's presentation focusing on cardiac and systemic symptoms related to an atrial mass.
- Myxomas do not typically metastasize or cause regional lymph node involvement.
*Increased S100 protein serum concentration*
- **S100 protein** is a marker primarily associated with **melanoma** and **neural crest tumors**.
- It is not a characteristic finding in patients with **cardiac myxomas**.
*Ash-leaf skin lesions*
- **Ash-leaf spots** are hypopigmented macules characteristic of **tuberous sclerosis**, a genetic disorder.
- This condition is not related to **cardiac myxomas** and would present with different neurological and dermatological findings.
Question 120: A 3-year-old girl is brought to the physician by her parents due to observations of rapid, random, horizontal and vertical eye movements along with occasional jerking movements of her limbs and head. CT scan reveals an abdominal mass that crosses the midline. Further work-up reveals elevated 24-hour urinary homovanillic acid and vanillylmandelic acid. Neuroblastoma is suspected. Which of the following diseases pathologically originates from the same type of cells as Neuroblastoma?
A. Pilocytic astrocytoma
B. Craniopharyngioma
C. Medulloblastoma
D. Hirschsprung disease (Correct Answer)
E. Retinoblastoma
Explanation: ***Hirschsprung disease***
- Both **neuroblastoma** and **Hirschsprung disease** originate from neural crest cells. Neuroblastomas arise from the adrenal medulla or sympathetic ganglia, while Hirschsprung disease results from failed neural crest cell migration to the distal colon, leading to an **aganglionic segment**.
- The shared embryological origin from the **neural crest** explains their occasional coexistence or shared genetic predispositions.
*Pilocytic astrocytoma*
- This tumor originates from **astrocytes**, which are glial cells derived from the **neuroectoderm** (specifically the neural tube).
- It is distinct from the neural crest cells that give rise to neuroblastoma.
*Craniopharyngioma*
- This tumor is derived from remnants of **Rathke's pouch**, an embryonic invagination of the stomodeum (oral ectoderm).
- It is not related to neural crest cells.
*Medulloblastoma*
- This highly malignant brain tumor arises from primitive neuroectodermal cells in the **cerebellum**.
- While also part of the neuroectoderm, its specific origin is distinct from the neural crest cells that form neuroblastomas.
*Retinoblastoma*
- This pediatric eye cancer originates from immature **retinal cells** (retinoblasts), which are part of the **neuroectoderm** (specifically the optic vesicle).
- Its cellular origin is different from the neural crest lineage of neuroblastoma.