Bone tumours: pulmonary metastases of giant cell tumour: practice question

A Orthopaedics 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.

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Orthopaedics · Bone tumours: pulmonary metastases of giant cell tumour

Sample item

A man treated for a giant cell tumour of the distal radius develops small lung nodules. Biopsy shows histologically benign giant cell tumour tissue. Which statement is correct?

AThey indicate hopeless prognosisBThey always mean the tumour has become osteosarcomaCThe implants are often indolent and may be observed or resectedDThey are treated with chemotherapy as in osteosarcoma

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. The implants are often indolent and may be observed or resected

A small number of giant cell tumours metastasise to the lungs while remaining histologically benign. These implants tend to grow slowly, may stabilise or regress, and can be watched or resected. Death from them is uncommon, unlike pulmonary metastases of osteosarcoma.

Option by option

A. They indicate hopeless prognosis
The prognosis is usually good with surveillance.
B. They always mean the tumour has become osteosarcoma
Sarcomatous change is rare and is not implied by histologically benign nodules.
C. The implants are often indolent and may be observed or resected (correct)
Correct. Benign pulmonary implants are often slow and can be observed or resected.
D. They are treated with chemotherapy as in osteosarcoma
Chemotherapy has no established role for benign implants.

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.

Questions about this Orthopaedics question

What is the answer to this Orthopaedics question?

The best answer is C, The implants are often indolent and may be observed or resected. A small number of giant cell tumours metastasise to the lungs while remaining histologically benign.

Why is "They indicate hopeless prognosis" not the answer?

The prognosis is usually good with surveillance.

Why is "They always mean the tumour has become osteosarcoma" not the answer?

Sarcomatous change is rare and is not implied by histologically benign nodules.

Why is "They are treated with chemotherapy as in osteosarcoma" not the answer?

Chemotherapy has no established role for benign implants.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bone tumours: pulmonary metastases of giant cell tumour in Orthopaedics. These implants tend to grow slowly, may stabilise or regress, and can be watched or resected. Death from them is uncommon, unlike pulmonary metastases of osteosarcoma.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Bone tumours: pulmonary metastases of giant cell tumour?

Pair each fracture with its classic complication and nerve injured. Then use the flashcards and the other Orthopaedics 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.