Head and neck tumours: radiation-associated thyroid cancer: practice question

A ENT 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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ENT · Head and neck tumours: radiation-associated thyroid cancer

Sample item

A 30-year-old who received neck radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma in childhood now has a thyroid nodule. Which cancer is the commonest to arise?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Papillary carcinoma

Radiation exposure in childhood is the best-known risk factor for papillary carcinoma, with a latency of years. These patients need regular surveillance.

Option by option

  • A. Follicular carcinoma

    Follicular carcinoma is linked to iodine deficiency.

  • B. Anaplastic carcinoma

    Anaplastic carcinoma arises in older patients.

  • C. Medullary carcinoma

    Medullary carcinoma is linked to RET mutation.

  • D. Papillary carcinoma (correct)

    Correct. Papillary carcinoma follows childhood irradiation.

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.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Papillary carcinoma. Radiation exposure in childhood is the best-known risk factor for papillary carcinoma, with a latency of years.

Why is "Follicular carcinoma" not the answer?

Follicular carcinoma is linked to iodine deficiency.

Why is "Anaplastic carcinoma" not the answer?

Anaplastic carcinoma arises in older patients.

Why is "Medullary carcinoma" not the answer?

Medullary carcinoma is linked to RET mutation.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck tumours: radiation-associated thyroid cancer in ENT. These patients need regular surveillance.

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 Head and neck tumours: radiation-associated thyroid cancer?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT 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.