Cancer Diagnosis Techniques and Tumor Markers

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Questions and Answers

Which diagnostic test is primarily used for breast cancer screening in asymptomatic patients?

Ultrasonography

Tissue biopsy

Mammography (correct)

Magnetic resonance imaging

What role does ultrasonography play in the evaluation of breast lumps?

It assesses the consistency and size of breast lumps. (correct)

It is the first choice for diagnosing occult lesions.

It replaces the need for a tissue biopsy.

It is primarily used to screen for breast cancer in high-risk patients.

In what scenario is magnetic resonance imaging indicated for breast cancer evaluation?

Only when a patient has a palpable lump.

To replace mammography as the primary screening tool.

For the evaluation of calcifications on mammography.

For the assessment of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. (correct)

What is the essential step in the evaluation of a patient with suspected breast cancer?

Conducting a triple assessment. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the presentation of breast cancer?

Calcifications are a hallmark presentation and can occur without distortion. Signup and view all the answers

Which tumor marker is categorized as a carbohydrate marker?

CA125 Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging test utilizes a magnetic field and radio waves?

MRI Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of molecular diagnosis in cancer treatment?

To assist in therapeutic decision-making Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT classified as an enzyme tumor marker?

CEA Signup and view all the answers

Which oncofetal antigen is primarily associated with liver cancer?

AFP Signup and view all the answers

What is a benefit of identifying the V600E BRAF mutation in melanoma treatment?

It allows for effective treatment with BRAF inhibitors. Signup and view all the answers

Which tumor marker is typically seen in conditions related to bone disease?

Calcitonin Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging method is used to produce a series of images of the body using x-ray technology?

CT Scan Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following stages of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system involves asymptomatic patients who may require chemoembolization?

Intermediate stage (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant drawback of performing a liver biopsy for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)?

It carries risks of tumor seeding and bleeding. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of liver disease evaluation, which of the following laboratory findings is NOT typically associated with advanced liver disease?

Hyperuricemia Signup and view all the answers

Which imaging technique is mentioned as a method to identify high-risk patients for liver cancer?

Dynamic contrasted-enhanced MRI Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the context of liver cancer?

It is produced by the fetal yolk sac and liver during gestation. Signup and view all the answers

Which stage of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system is characterized by a symptomatic patient with vascular invasion?

Advanced stage (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which finding would indicate the highest severity of liver disease according to the Child-Pugh assessment scale?

Presence of encephalopathy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about liver cancer screening methods is FALSE?

Liver biopsy is routinely performed for HCC diagnosis. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tumor Markers

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), Bence-Jones Proteins, CA15-3, Calcitonin, CA19-9, CA125, Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA), Prostatic Acid Phosphatase (PAP), Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), Neuron-specific Enolase (NSE), Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP).
Tumor markers are categorized into carbohydrate markers (CA15-3, CA19-9, CA125), hormones (Calcitonin, HCG, Bence-Jones protein), oncofetal antigens (AFP, CEA), and enzymes (ALP, PAP, PSA, NSE).

Imaging Tests

X-rays, CT scans, and MRI are common imaging tools for diagnosing cancers.
CT scans use X-rays to create comprehensive body images, useful in identifying fractures or damage.
MRI employs magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues.

Molecular Techniques

Molecular diagnosis aids therapeutic decision-making for conditions like melanomas with the V600E BRAF mutation which responds well to BRAF inhibitors.
V600E mutation is found in various cancers including colon and thyroid carcinomas, as well as specific leukemias.

Liver Cancer Staging

The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) system classifies liver cancer stages:
- Early Stage (A): Asymptomatic, suitable for radical therapies.
- Intermediate Stage (B): Asymptomatic with multi-nodular hepatocellular carcinoma; may benefit from chemoembolization.
- Advanced Stage (C): Symptomatic patients with vascular invasion and preserved liver function treated with chemotherapy.
- Terminal Stage (D): Patients receive systemic palliative therapy.

Liver Cancer Evaluation

Laboratory testing evaluates severity using hypoalbuminemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and hypoprothrombinemia.
Imaging can identify high-risk patients, characterized by dynamic contrasted-enhanced MRI or four-phase CT.
Routine liver biopsy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not common due to risks of tumor seeding and potential false negatives.
Serum Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) acts as a key marker produced during fetal development.

Breast Cancer Evaluation

Triple assessment involving clinical evaluation, imaging, and tissue biopsy is essential for breast cancer diagnosis.
Mammography is key for early detection, revealing asymptomatic cases through screening.
Breast cancer typically presents as calcifications or lumps, possibly with architectural distortion.
Ultrasonography assesses size and consistency of breast lumps and is important for guided needle biopsies.
MRI is sensitive for soft tissue anomalies and is utilized in the assessment of suspicious lesions and response to treatments.
Tissue biopsy is critical for confirming breast cancer diagnoses.

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Description

This quiz covers essential aspects of cancer diagnosis, including tumor markers, imaging tests, and molecular techniques. Explore the various types of tumor markers and the significance of imaging tools like X-rays, CT scans, and MRI, along with molecular diagnosis strategies for treatment decisions. Test your knowledge on these critical elements of oncology.