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oncology

Practice targeted AMC-style multiple-choice questions on oncology.

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Neuroblastoma, CT of the abdomen
Image by RadsWiki CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old child is brought to the paediatric clinic by their parents due to a 2-month history of increasing abdominal distension, poor appetite, and occasional constipation. On physical examination, a firm, irregular mass is palpable in the upper abdomen, crossing the midline. Vital signs are stable. Initial blood tests, including full blood count and liver function tests, are within normal limits. An abdominal CT scan is performed (image provided). Considering the findings demonstrated in the image, which of the following investigations represents the most appropriate next step in establishing a definitive diagnosis and guiding further management?

A. Surgical resection of the mass
B. Bone marrow aspirate and biopsy
C. Repeat abdominal CT scan in three months
D. Urine catecholamine metabolites (VMA and HVA)
E. Lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis
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A 68-year-old man with a 40 pack-year smoking history presents with a 3-month history of persistent cough, occasional haemoptysis, and a 5 kg weight loss. A chest X-ray shows a left upper lobe opacity. A subsequent CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis confirms a 4 cm mass in the left upper lobe and identifies several enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes (largest 1.5 cm). There is no clear evidence of distant metastatic disease on the CT scan. He has no neurological symptoms or bone pain. Pulmonary function tests are pending. What is the most appropriate next investigation for staging this patient's non-small cell lung cancer?

A. Brain MRI
B. Bone scan
C. Mediastinoscopy
D. PET-CT scan
E. Repeat CT scan in 3 months
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Hepatic metastases from a gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents with fatigue and weight loss. The provided image was obtained. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Initiate palliative care consultation
B. Percutaneous ethanol ablation of selected lesions
C. Referral to medical oncology for systemic therapy
D. Surgical resection of the largest lesion
E. Repeat imaging in 3 months to assess progression
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 72-year-old woman, status post mastectomy, presents with a lesion. What is the MOST appropriate initial diagnostic test?

A. Patch testing
B. Skin biopsy
C. Wood's lamp examination
D. KOH examination
E. Fungal culture
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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of encephaloid hepatocellular carcinoma
Image by R. Badea, Simona Ioanitescu CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male with a history of hepatitis C presents with new onset jaundice and ascites. His AFP is markedly elevated. A contrast-enhanced ultrasound is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Initiate systemic chemotherapy
B. Referral for liver transplant evaluation
C. Order a triple-phase CT scan of the abdomen
D. Perform a percutaneous liver biopsy
E. Start sorafenib therapy
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 45-year-old male presents with a 3-month history of cough and unintentional weight loss. He is a former smoker. Physical examination is unremarkable. A chest X-ray showed a nodule, and a PET-CT was performed for further characterisation, an axial view is shown. Considering the imaging findings and clinical presentation, what is the MOST appropriate next diagnostic step?

A. Initiate empirical anti-tuberculous therapy
B. Repeat sputum studies for acid-fast bacilli
C. Thoracic surgical referral for wedge resection
D. CT-guided percutaneous biopsy
E. Follow-up PET-CT in 3 months
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A 45-year-old man presents to the clinic with a 2-month history of fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats. He has a history of smoking and works as a miner. On examination, he has cervical lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. A chest X-ray shows bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Lung cancer
B. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
C. Lymphoma
D. Sarcoidosis
E. Tuberculosis
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A 62-year-old man presents with a 4-month history of increasing fatigue, unintentional weight loss of 7 kg, and intermittent upper abdominal discomfort. He reports no change in bowel habits, dysphagia, or vomiting. His past medical history includes hypertension and osteoarthritis. He is a non-smoker and drinks alcohol occasionally. On examination, he is pale. His vital signs are stable. Abdominal examination reveals mild epigastric tenderness but no masses or organomegaly. There is no peripheral lymphadenopathy. Initial blood tests show haemoglobin 92 g/L (reference range 130-170), MCV 74 fL (80-95), ferritin 12 mcg/L (30-300), and CRP 18 mg/L (<5). Liver function tests and renal function tests are within normal limits. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial investigation?

A. Abdominal and pelvic CT scan
B. Faecal occult blood testing
C. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy
D. Upper gastrointestinal barium study
E. Bone marrow biopsy
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CT scan of hepatocellular carcinoma, without and with IV contrast
Image by Zhenyu Pan, Guozi Yang, Tingting Yuan, Lihua Dong, Lihua Dong CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male with a history of chronic hepatitis C presents with right upper quadrant pain, weight loss, and jaundice. Vital signs are stable. Physical examination reveals hepatomegaly and mild ascites. Laboratory investigations include elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Imaging is performed as shown. Considering the clinical context and the findings demonstrated in the imaging, which of the following assessments is MOST crucial for determining the feasibility and type of definitive treatment for the identified lesion?

A. Confirmation of hepatitis C viral load
B. Assessment of underlying liver synthetic function (e.g., Child-Pugh score)
C. Evaluation for extrahepatic metastatic disease
D. Assessment of portal vein patency
E. Measurement of the lesion's maximum diameter
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Hepatic metastases from a gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents with fatigue, weight loss, and vague abdominal discomfort. His past medical history includes a recent diagnosis of gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC). The provided image was obtained as part of his staging workup. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Referral to medical oncology for systemic chemotherapy
B. Surgical resection of the affected liver segments
C. Initiation of palliative care and symptom management
D. Administration of intravenous antibiotics for presumed liver abscesses
E. Percutaneous ethanol ablation of the largest lesion
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CT scan of hepatocellular carcinoma, without and with IV contrast
Image by Zhenyu Pan, Guozi Yang, Tingting Yuan, Lihua Dong, Lihua Dong CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 58-year-old male with known alcoholic cirrhosis undergoes surveillance. AFP is 600 ng/mL. The provided image was obtained. What is the next step?

A. Administer systemic chemotherapy
B. Initiate sorafenib
C. Repeat AFP in 3 months
D. Liver biopsy
E. Refer for liver transplant evaluation
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 65-year-old patient with a history of smoking presents with a chronic cough and mild weight loss over three months. Physical examination is unremarkable, and vital signs are stable. Routine blood tests, including full blood count and inflammatory markers, are within normal limits. A chest X-ray revealed a solitary pulmonary nodule in the right upper lobe. Subsequent PET-CT imaging was performed as part of the diagnostic workup. Considering the findings demonstrated in the image provided, which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Refer for surgical resection
B. Bronchoscopy with biopsy or fine needle aspiration
C. Prescribe a course of inhaled corticosteroids
D. Initiate empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics
E. Repeat PET-CT scan in three months
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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of encephaloid hepatocellular carcinoma
Image by R. Badea, Simona Ioanitescu CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male with a history of chronic hepatitis C presents to his general practitioner for a routine check-up. He reports no new symptoms. His liver function tests from 6 months ago were within normal limits. However, recent blood work reveals an elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of 600 ng/mL (normal <10 ng/mL). The GP orders a contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the liver, the images from which are shown. Based on the ultrasound findings and the patient's history, what is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Order a triple-phase CT scan of the abdomen
B. Initiate antiviral therapy for hepatitis C and repeat AFP in 3 months
C. Repeat the contrast-enhanced ultrasound in 3 months to monitor for growth
D. Referral to a hepatobiliary surgeon for consideration of resection or transplantation
E. Perform a percutaneous liver biopsy under ultrasound guidance
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 70-year-old woman, post-mastectomy, presents with a chronic, pruritic lesion. What is the MOST likely underlying pathophysiology?

A. Contact dermatitis
B. Intraepithelial adenocarcinoma
C. Granulomatous inflammation
D. Dermal melanocytosis
E. Superficial fungal infection
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Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of encephaloid hepatocellular carcinoma
Image by R. Badea, Simona Ioanitescu CC BY 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male with known Hepatitis B related cirrhosis and a history of alcohol excess presents for routine surveillance. His alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, which has been stable at 15 ng/mL for the past two years, is now noted to be 185 ng/mL. A screening ultrasound performed three months prior was reported as showing diffuse parenchymal changes consistent with cirrhosis but no focal lesions. Due to the elevated AFP, a repeat ultrasound was performed, which identified a 2.5 cm nodule in segment VIII. To further characterise this lesion, a contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) was performed, and the images provided are representative findings from this study. The patient has well-compensated cirrhosis (Child-Pugh A) and no significant comorbidities. His liver function tests are within normal limits except for a slightly elevated GGT. Given the clinical context and the findings demonstrated in the provided images, what is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Referral to a multidisciplinary liver tumour board for consideration of curative treatment options.
B. Proceed directly to percutaneous biopsy of the lesion for histological confirmation.
C. Refer the patient to a general gastroenterologist for further investigation.
D. Initiate systemic therapy with a tyrosine kinase inhibitor such as sorafenib.
E. Schedule a repeat contrast-enhanced ultrasound in three months to assess for interval change.
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old former smoker with a 30 pack-year history presents to their GP with a 2-month history of persistent cough and increasing fatigue, noting a 3kg unintentional weight loss. Physical examination is unremarkable, and vital signs are stable. Routine blood tests, including full blood count and inflammatory markers, are within normal limits. A chest X-ray reveals a solitary pulmonary nodule in the right upper lobe. Subsequent PET-CT imaging is performed as part of the diagnostic workup. Considering the findings demonstrated in the image provided in the context of this patient's presentation, which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Repeat PET-CT scan in 3 months
B. Tissue biopsy via bronchoscopy or CT guidance
C. Initiate empirical chemotherapy
D. Initiate empirical anti-tuberculosis therapy
E. Perform pulmonary function tests
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CT scan of hepatocellular carcinoma, without and with IV contrast
Image by Zhenyu Pan, Guozi Yang, Tingting Yuan, Lihua Dong, Lihua Dong CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 65-year-old male with known alcoholic cirrhosis presents for routine HCC screening. His AFP is 25 ng/mL. A CT scan with IV contrast is performed (image attached). What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. MRI of the abdomen with contrast
B. Repeat AFP in 3 months
C. Initiate sorafenib
D. Surgical resection
E. Referral for liver transplant evaluation
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Neuroblastoma, CT of the abdomen
Image by RadsWiki CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 4-year-old boy presents with left flank pain and a palpable abdominal mass. His mother reports decreased appetite and recent weight loss. A CT scan of the abdomen is performed (image attached). What is the MOST likely diagnosis?

A. Lymphoma
B. Hepatoblastoma
C. Wilms tumor
D. Renal cell carcinoma
E. Neuroblastoma
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Hepatic metastases from a gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 65-year-old male with new onset ascites and elevated ALP has the imaging shown. What is the MOST likely primary malignancy?

A. Colorectal
B. Cholangiocarcinoma
C. Gastric
D. Hepatocellular
E. Pancreatic
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A 45-year-old woman has a mother diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 55 and a maternal aunt with endometrial cancer at age 60. What is the most appropriate initial step regarding genetic testing for hereditary cancer syndrome?

A. Advise increased surveillance with colonoscopy every 5 years starting now.
B. Order germline testing for MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 genes.
C. Referral to a familial cancer clinic for risk assessment and counselling.
D. Order tumour testing for microsatellite instability (MSI) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
E. Reassure the patient that this family history is not strongly suggestive of a hereditary syndrome.
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Endoscopy image of colon adenocarcinoma in sigmoid colon.
Image by Unknown CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 70-year-old man presents with a 3-month history of worsening constipation, occasional bright red rectal bleeding, and unexplained fatigue. His GP notes mild pallor. Full blood count reveals a haemoglobin of 105 g/L and low ferritin. A colonoscopy is performed, and the image provided is a representative view of a finding in the sigmoid colon. Biopsies were taken. Considering the clinical context and the endoscopic appearance, which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management pathway to determine the extent of disease?

A. Referral for immediate surgical resection
B. Repeat colonoscopy in 6 months to assess response to medical therapy
C. CT scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis for staging
D. PET scan for metabolic activity assessment
E. Commencement of iron supplementation and review in 4 weeks
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Endoscopy image of colon adenocarcinoma in sigmoid colon.
Image by Unknown CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 58-year-old male presents with fatigue and microcytic anemia. He denies overt bleeding but reports occasional dark stools. Colonoscopy reveals the image shown. Biopsies confirm adenocarcinoma. What is the MOST appropriate next investigation to stage the cancer?

A. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) level
B. Endoscopic ultrasound
C. MRI of the abdomen and pelvis
D. CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis
E. PET-CT scan
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Neuroblastoma, CT of the abdomen
Image by RadsWiki CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 4-year-old presents with abdominal distension and back pain for 2 months. Exam reveals a firm, fixed abdominal mass. Vitals are normal. An abdominal CT is performed (axial view shown). Which lab finding would MOST strongly support the suspected diagnosis?

A. Elevated urine homogentisic acid
B. Elevated urine vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)
C. Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
D. Elevated serum amylase
E. Elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
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CT scan of hepatocellular carcinoma, without and with IV contrast
Image by Zhenyu Pan, Guozi Yang, Tingting Yuan, Lihua Dong, Lihua Dong CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 68-year-old man with known alcoholic cirrhosis presents for routine surveillance. He reports mild fatigue but no other symptoms. Liver function tests are within his baseline. Alpha-fetoprotein is 150 ng/mL (normal <10). The provided images are obtained. Considering the clinical context and the findings demonstrated in the images, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in this patient's management?

A. Referral for liver transplant assessment
B. Initiate treatment with transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE)
C. Percutaneous biopsy of the lesion
D. Commence systemic therapy with Sorafenib
E. Repeat imaging with MRI liver in 4 weeks
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A 28-year-old woman presents for a check-up, reporting occasional mild abdominal discomfort. Her father was diagnosed with colorectal cancer at age 48, and his tumour showed microsatellite instability. A paternal aunt had endometrial cancer at 55. Physical exam is normal. What is the most appropriate next step regarding genetic testing?

A. Order a colonoscopy immediately.
B. Test for FAP-associated genes.
C. Order faecal occult blood testing.
D. Offer genetic counselling and testing for Lynch syndrome.
E. Reassure and advise standard screening at age 50.
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Neuroblastoma, CT of the abdomen
Image by RadsWiki CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 4-year-old child is brought to the emergency department with a 3-week history of increasing abdominal distension, intermittent pain, and decreased activity. Parents also report occasional flushing episodes and unexplained fevers. On examination, a large, firm, irregular mass is palpable in the upper abdomen, extending across the midline. Vital signs are stable, and routine blood tests, including full blood count, electrolytes, and liver function tests, are within normal limits. An abdominal CT scan is performed (image provided). Based on the findings demonstrated in the image and the clinical presentation, which of the following investigations is most critical for accurate staging and risk stratification in this likely diagnosis?

A. Serum alpha-fetoprotein and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels
B. Upper gastrointestinal series with small bowel follow-through
C. Iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan
D. Renal biopsy
E. Colonoscopy
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A 45-year-old man presents to his GP with a 3-month history of gradually enlarging, painless swelling in the left side of his neck. He denies fever, night sweats, or weight loss. He emigrated from a region with high tuberculosis prevalence five years ago and has no known history of TB exposure or prior testing. On examination, there are multiple firm, non-tender, discrete lymph nodes in the left posterior triangle of the neck, the largest measuring about 3 cm. There are no other palpable nodes or organomegaly. His chest X-ray is clear. What is the most appropriate next diagnostic step?

A. Order a CT scan of the neck to assess the extent of lymphadenopathy
B. Fine needle aspiration cytology and mycobacterial culture of the affected lymph node
C. Perform an Interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA)
D. Initiate empirical treatment with a broad-spectrum antibiotic
E. Excisional biopsy of the largest lymph node for histopathology
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Hepatic metastases from a gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 70-year-old male with known gastric MANEC presents with worsening jaundice and ascites. The provided CT scan was performed. Which of the following serum markers would be MOST useful in monitoring disease progression in this patient?

A. Amylase
B. Chromogranin A
C. CEA
D. Alpha-fetoprotein
E. CA 19-9
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CT, ultrasonography, SPECT and scintigraphy of intra-thyroid parathyroid adenoma
Image by Mnahi Bin Saeedan, Ibtisam Musallam Aljohani, Ayman Omar Khushaim, Salwa Qasim Bukhari, Salahudin Tayeb Elnaas CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents with fatigue, constipation, and bone pain. Serum calcium is elevated. The provided imaging was obtained. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of her presentation?

A. Parathyroid adenoma
B. Multiple myeloma
C. Thyroid carcinoma
D. Metastatic bone disease
E. Vitamin D deficiency
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Neuroblastoma, CT of the abdomen
Image by RadsWiki CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 4-year-old presents with abdominal distension, pain, and weight loss over several weeks. On examination, a firm, irregular abdominal mass is palpable. Blood tests show mild anaemia. The provided image is an axial CT slice of the abdomen. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings demonstrated in the image, which of the following investigations is the MOST appropriate initial step to establish a definitive diagnosis?

A. Image-guided biopsy of the abdominal mass.
B. Whole-body 123I-MIBG scintigraphy.
C. Measurement of urinary catecholamine metabolites.
D. Bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy.
E. Laparoscopic exploration and mass excision.
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 65-year-old patient with a history of smoking presents with a chronic cough and mild weight loss over three months. Physical examination is unremarkable, and vital signs are stable. Routine blood tests, including full blood count and inflammatory markers, are within normal limits. A chest X-ray revealed a solitary pulmonary nodule in the right upper lobe. Subsequent PET-CT imaging was performed as part of the diagnostic workup. Considering the findings demonstrated in the image provided in the context of this patient's presentation, which of the following is the most appropriate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Refer for surgical consultation for lobectomy
B. Obtain tissue diagnosis via biopsy
C. Initiate empirical anti-tuberculosis therapy
D. Schedule follow-up CT scan in three months
E. Perform sputum microscopy and culture for acid-fast bacilli
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Neuroblastoma, CT of the abdomen
Image by RadsWiki CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 4-year-old presents with abdominal distension and back pain for 2 months. Exam reveals a firm, fixed abdominal mass. Vitals are normal. An abdominal CT is performed (axial view shown). Which lab finding would MOST strongly support the suspected diagnosis?

A. Elevated urine vanillylmandelic acid (VMA)
B. Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
C. Elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
D. Elevated urine urobilinogen
E. Elevated serum amylase
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Ovarian Cyst
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 55-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 3-month history of increasing abdominal bloating, early satiety, and a vague, intermittent dull ache in her lower abdomen. She reports a 5 kg weight loss over the same period, which she attributes to reduced appetite. Her last menstrual period was 5 years ago. She has a past medical history of well-controlled hypertension and osteoarthritis. She is on perindopril and paracetamol as needed. On physical examination, her vital signs are stable (BP 130/80 mmHg, HR 72 bpm, RR 16/min, Temp 36.8°C). Abdominal examination reveals mild distension and a firm, non-tender mass palpable in the suprapubic and left iliac fossa regions, estimated to be about 8 cm in size. Bowel sounds are normal. Pelvic examination is deferred due to patient discomfort and preference for imaging first. Routine blood tests, including full blood examination, urea and electrolytes, liver function tests, and C-reactive protein, are all within normal reference ranges. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed to investigate her symptoms, an axial image from which is shown. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings on the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Prescribe a proton pump inhibitor for presumed dyspepsia and review in 4 weeks.
B. Reassure the patient that the mass is likely benign and manage symptomatically.
C. Arrange for a diagnostic laparoscopy by a general surgeon.
D. Referral to a gynaecological oncologist for further assessment.
E. Order serum CA-125 and arrange a repeat CT scan in 3 months.
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A 67-year-old woman presents to her GP with fatigue, weight loss, and night sweats over the past two months. She has a history of smoking and hypertension. On examination, she has palpable lymphadenopathy in the cervical and axillary regions. Blood tests reveal a hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL, elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and a peripheral blood smear showing atypical lymphocytes. What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
B. Multiple myeloma
C. Hodgkin's lymphoma
D. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
E. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
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Neuroblastoma, CT of the abdomen
Image by RadsWiki CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 3-year-old presents with abdominal distension and vague pain. Vitals are stable. An abdominal CT is performed (image attached). Elevated levels of HVA and VMA are noted in the urine. What is the MOST likely origin of the primary lesion?

A. Spleen
B. Pancreas
C. Liver
D. Adrenal gland
E. Kidney
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CT scan of hepatocellular carcinoma, without and with IV contrast
Image by Zhenyu Pan, Guozi Yang, Tingting Yuan, Lihua Dong, Lihua Dong CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 62-year-old male with a history of hepatitis C presents with new onset ascites and right upper quadrant pain. His AFP is elevated. A CT scan of the abdomen with and without contrast is performed, as shown. What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Start sorafenib therapy
B. Referral for liver transplant evaluation
C. Initiate systemic chemotherapy
D. Perform a percutaneous liver biopsy
E. Order a triple phase MRI of the liver
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Hepatic metastases from a gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 58-year-old male presents with a 3-month history of dyspepsia, early satiety, and unintentional weight loss. Upper endoscopy revealed a large, ulcerated mass in the gastric antrum. Biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma. Staging investigations were performed, including the provided imaging. His ECOG performance status is 1. Blood tests show mild anaemia and normal liver function tests. Given the clinical presentation and the findings on the provided imaging, which of the following is the most appropriate primary goal of management for this patient?

A. Curative surgical resection of the primary gastric tumour
B. Radiation therapy to the gastric mass
C. Palliation of symptoms and improvement of quality of life
D. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by reassessment for surgery
E. Liver transplantation
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 55-year-old woman attends for her routine screening mammogram. She has no breast symptoms and no family history of breast cancer. Her physical examination is unremarkable. The mammogram is performed, and a finding is noted in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast, as shown in the image. Based on the appearance of the finding demonstrated in the image, what is the most appropriate next step in her management?

A. Repeat mammography in 6 months.
B. Stereotactic core biopsy of the calcifications.
C. Breast ultrasound of the area.
D. Immediate surgical excision of the area.
E. Referral for breast MRI.
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Clinical aspects of mammary Paget's disease occurred on the thoracic wall where simple mastectomy was performed some years before.
Image by Monica Giovannini, Carmelo D'Atri, Quirino Piubello, Annamaria Molino CC BY-SA 2.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents for a routine follow-up appointment several years after undergoing a simple mastectomy for pT1N0M0 invasive ductal carcinoma of the left breast. She completed adjuvant endocrine therapy and has been well since. During the consultation, she mentions that she has noticed a persistent area of skin change on her left chest wall, near the mastectomy scar, over the past few months. She describes it as occasionally itchy and slightly raised, but denies pain, discharge, or systemic symptoms such as weight loss or fever. Her vital signs are stable, and physical examination reveals no palpable axillary or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. The appearance of the affected area is shown in the image. Considering the patient's history and the clinical presentation, what is the most appropriate initial diagnostic step?

A. Arrange for a PET-CT scan to assess for metastatic disease
B. Perform fine needle aspiration cytology of the lesion
C. Prescribe a course of topical antifungal cream and review in two weeks
D. Excisional or incisional biopsy of the lesion
E. Reassure the patient that this is likely post-surgical scarring and review in six months
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CT scan of hepatocellular carcinoma, without and with IV contrast
Image by Zhenyu Pan, Guozi Yang, Tingting Yuan, Lihua Dong, Lihua Dong CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 58-year-old male with a 15-year history of chronic hepatitis B infection and established cirrhosis presents for a routine surveillance appointment. He reports feeling generally well, with no significant weight loss, abdominal pain, or jaundice. He denies alcohol use. On examination, his vital signs are stable. He has mild palmar erythema but no ascites or peripheral oedema. Liver span is normal. Recent blood tests show platelet count 120 x 10^9/L, albumin 35 g/L, INR 1.2, total bilirubin 20 µmol/L, ALT 40 U/L, AST 55 U/L, creatinine 80 µmol/L. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has risen from 50 µg/L six months ago to 450 µg/L today. A triphasic CT scan of the abdomen was performed as part of the surveillance protocol, axial views of which are provided. Considering the patient's clinical history, laboratory trends, and the findings demonstrated on the provided imaging, which of the following represents the MOST appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Proceed directly to percutaneous biopsy of the lesion for histological confirmation.
B. Referral to a multidisciplinary liver tumour board for discussion regarding potential treatment options including liver transplantation.
C. Schedule a follow-up CT scan in three months to assess for interval change.
D. Perform an upper endoscopy to screen for oesophageal varices.
E. Initiate systemic chemotherapy with sorafenib.
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 35-year-old male presents with hemoptysis and weight loss. PET-CT is shown. Bronchoscopy with biopsy is MOST likely to reveal which of the following?

A. Adenocarcinoma in situ
B. Squamous cell carcinoma
C. Granulomatous inflammation with caseous necrosis
D. Small cell carcinoma
E. Mesothelioma
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

Mrs. Eleanor Vance, a 62-year-old retired teacher, presents for her routine biennial screening mammogram through the BreastScreen Australia program. She has no personal history of breast disease, and her family history is negative for breast or ovarian cancer in first-degree relatives. She is otherwise healthy, with a history of diet-controlled type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis managed with paracetamol. She denies any breast pain, lumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes. Her last mammogram two years ago was reported as normal (BIRADS 1). Physical examination of both breasts and axillae is unremarkable. The current screening mammogram is performed. The image provided is a magnified view from the craniocaudal projection of the left breast, specifically highlighting an area that has been flagged for further assessment by the reporting radiologist due to a change from the previous study. Based on the appearance of the abnormality demonstrated in the provided image, which is the most appropriate method for obtaining a tissue diagnosis?

A. Surgical excisional biopsy with wire localisation as the initial diagnostic step
B. Ultrasound-guided core biopsy of the area corresponding to the mammographic finding
C. Follow-up mammography in 6 months to assess stability of the finding
D. Stereotactic core biopsy targeting the clustered microcalcifications
E. Fine needle aspiration cytology of the suspicious area
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Figure 3 of paper: Alveolar echinococcosis in a patient with immunosuppression.

(a) Abdominal gray-scale US shows an abscess-like hepatic image.
(b) Axial unenhanced CT shows a typical aspect of pyogenic liver abscess.
Image by Wenya Liu, Éric Delabrousse, Oleg Blagosklonov, Jing Wang, Hongchun Zeng, Yi Jiang, Jian Wang, Yongde Qin, Dominique Angèle Vuitton, Hao Wen CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 60-year-old man, post-chemotherapy, presents with fever and abdominal pain. The images are shown. What is the MOST appropriate initial therapy?

A. Surgical resection
B. Amphotericin B
C. Albendazole
D. Broad-spectrum antibiotics
E. Percutaneous drainage
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CT, ultrasonography, SPECT and scintigraphy of intra-thyroid parathyroid adenoma
Image by Mnahi Bin Saeedan, Ibtisam Musallam Aljohani, Ayman Omar Khushaim, Salwa Qasim Bukhari, Salahudin Tayeb Elnaas CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 62-year-old woman presents with fatigue and bone pain. Serum calcium is elevated. The provided imaging was obtained. What is the MOST likely underlying cause of her hypercalcemia?

A. Vitamin D toxicity
B. Parathyroid adenoma
C. Multiple myeloma
D. Metastatic bone disease
E. Sarcoidosis
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Endoscopy image of colon adenocarcinoma in sigmoid colon.
Image by Unknown CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 72-year-old presents with recent onset tenesmus and passage of mucus. He has lost 4kg over 2 months. Colonoscopy was performed, and a representative image is shown. Biopsies are pending but the appearance is highly suspicious for malignancy. What is the MOST appropriate initial investigation to assess for metastatic disease?

A. PET scan
B. Tumour markers (e.g., CEA)
C. MRI of the pelvis
D. Endoscopic ultrasound
E. CT scan of chest, abdomen, and pelvis
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

Mrs. Eleanor Vance, a 62-year-old retired teacher, presents for her routine biennial screening mammogram through the BreastScreen Australia program. She has no personal history of breast disease, and her family history is negative for breast or ovarian cancer in first-degree relatives. She is otherwise healthy, with a history of diet-controlled type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis managed with paracetamol. She denies any breast pain, lumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes. Her last mammogram two years ago was reported as normal (BIRADS 1). Physical examination of both breasts and axillae is unremarkable. The current screening mammogram is performed. The image provided is a magnified view from the craniocaudal projection of the left breast, specifically highlighting an area that has been flagged for further assessment by the reporting radiologist due to a change from the previous study. Based on the clinical presentation, the patient's history, and the specific finding demonstrated in the provided image from her screening mammogram, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management pathway for this patient?

A. Stereotactic vacuum-assisted core biopsy of the suspicious calcifications.
B. Proceed directly to surgical excision of the area under wire localisation.
C. Repeat the mammogram in 3-6 months with spot compression and magnification views.
D. Request a breast MRI with contrast to better delineate the extent of the abnormality.
E. Perform a targeted ultrasound of the area of concern.
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PET-CT of a tuberculoma
Image by Annemie Snoeckx, Pieter Reyntiens, Damien Desbuquoit, Maarten J. Spinhoven, Paul E. Van Schil, Jan P. van Meerbeeck, Paul M. Parizel CC BY 4.0 · Source

A 35-year-old male presents with a two-month history of fatigue, unintentional weight loss, and a persistent dry cough. He denies fever or night sweats. A PET-CT scan of the chest was performed (image shown). What is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Repeat PET-CT in 3 months
B. Initiate anti-tuberculosis therapy
C. Bronchoscopy with biopsy
D. Empiric antibiotic therapy
E. Sputum culture for bacterial pathogens
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Ovarian Cyst
Image by James Heilman, MD CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 55-year-old woman presents to her general practitioner with a 3-month history of increasing abdominal bloating, early satiety, and a vague, intermittent dull ache in her lower abdomen. She reports a 5 kg weight loss over the same period, which she attributes to reduced appetite. Her last menstrual period was 5 years ago. She has a past medical history of well-controlled hypertension and osteoarthritis. She is on perindopril and paracetamol as needed. On physical examination, her vital signs are stable (BP 130/80 mmHg, HR 72 bpm, RR 16/min, Temp 36.8°C). Abdominal examination reveals mild distension and a firm, non-tender mass palpable in the suprapubic and left iliac fossa regions, estimated to be about 8 cm in size. Bowel sounds are normal. Pelvic examination is deferred due to patient discomfort and preference for imaging first. Routine blood tests, including full blood examination, urea and electrolytes, liver function tests, and C-reactive protein, are all within normal reference ranges. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is performed to investigate her symptoms, an axial image from which is shown. Considering the clinical presentation and the findings on the image, what is the most appropriate immediate next step in the management of this patient?

A. Prescribe a course of antibiotics for presumed pelvic inflammatory disease.
B. Arrange for a repeat CT scan in 6 weeks to monitor for changes.
C. Referral to a gynaecological oncologist for further assessment and management.
D. Reassure the patient that this is likely a benign finding and manage symptomatically.
E. Perform an urgent diagnostic laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis.
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Mammogram microcalcifications in carcinoma in situ, CC, details
Image by Jmarchn CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

Mrs. Eleanor Vance, a 62-year-old retired teacher, presents for her routine biennial screening mammogram through the BreastScreen Australia program. She has no personal history of breast disease, and her family history is negative for breast or ovarian cancer in first-degree relatives. She is otherwise healthy, with a history of diet-controlled type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis managed with paracetamol. She denies any breast pain, lumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes. Her last mammogram two years ago was reported as normal (BIRADS 1). Physical examination of both breasts and axillae is unremarkable. The current screening mammogram is performed. The image provided is a magnified view from the craniocaudal projection of the left breast, specifically highlighting an area that has been flagged for further assessment by the reporting radiologist due to a change from the previous study. Assuming that subsequent investigation of the area highlighted in the image confirms a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and the patient undergoes breast-conserving surgery, which of the following factors is most important in determining the need for adjuvant radiotherapy?

A. Patient's body mass index (BMI)
B. Margin status of the surgical excision specimen
C. Oestrogen receptor status of the DCIS cells
D. Ki-67 proliferation index of the DCIS cells
E. Presence of metastatic disease on staging scans
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Hepatic metastases from a gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC).
Image by Hellerhoff CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source

A 68-year-old male presents with fatigue, weight loss, and vague abdominal discomfort. His past medical history includes a recent diagnosis of gastric mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC). A CT scan of the abdomen is performed, as shown. Which of the following is the MOST appropriate next step in management?

A. Initiation of immunotherapy
B. Palliative chemotherapy
C. Observation with serial imaging
D. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)
E. Surgical resection of the liver lesions
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