Breast and endocrine surgery: breast cancer histology: practice question

A General Surgery question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

General Surgery · Breast and endocrine surgery: breast cancer histology

Sample item

Which feature is typical of invasive lobular carcinoma compared with ductal carcinoma NST?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Loss of E-cadherin with a diffuse growth pattern and higher bilaterality

Invasive ductal carcinoma NST is the commonest type (about 70 to 80 percent). Lobular carcinoma shows single-file infiltration, E-cadherin loss, multicentricity, bilaterality and is often mammographically subtle. It is usually ER positive.

Option by option

  • A. Comedo necrosis

    Comedo necrosis is a DCIS pattern.

  • B. Loss of E-cadherin with a diffuse growth pattern and higher bilaterality (correct)

    Correct. E-cadherin loss and diffuse spread are typical.

  • C. Strong association with HER2 amplification

    Lobular cancers are usually HER2 negative.

  • D. Always forms a discrete mass on mammography

    They often lack a discrete mass.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More General Surgery questions

Questions about this General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is B, Loss of E-cadherin with a diffuse growth pattern and higher bilaterality. Invasive ductal carcinoma NST is the commonest type (about 70 to 80 percent).

Why is "Comedo necrosis" not the answer?

Comedo necrosis is a DCIS pattern.

Why is "Strong association with HER2 amplification" not the answer?

Lobular cancers are usually HER2 negative.

Why is "Always forms a discrete mass on mammography" not the answer?

They often lack a discrete mass.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Breast and endocrine surgery: breast cancer histology in General Surgery. Lobular carcinoma shows single-file infiltration, E-cadherin loss, multicentricity, bilaterality and is often mammographically subtle. It is usually ER positive.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Breast and endocrine surgery: breast cancer histology?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.