Neoplasia: metastasis: practice question

A Pathology 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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Pathology · Neoplasia: metastasis

Sample item

Reduced expression of E-cadherin in a carcinoma most directly facilitates which step of invasion?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Detachment of tumour cells from each other

E-cadherin mediates epithelial cell-cell adhesion. Its loss weakens cohesion, allowing malignant cells to detach before traversing extracellular matrix and entering vessels.

Option by option

  • A. Avoidance of complement lysis

    Complement evasion is not the principal E-cadherin effect.

  • B. Angiogenesis through VEGF

    VEGF promotes blood-vessel formation.

  • C. Detachment of tumour cells from each other (correct)

    Correct. Loss of E-cadherin reduces intercellular adhesion.

  • D. Degradation of basement membrane by metalloproteinases

    Metalloproteinases degrade matrix but are a separate invasion mechanism.

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 Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is C, Detachment of tumour cells from each other. E-cadherin mediates epithelial cell-cell adhesion.

Why is "Avoidance of complement lysis" not the answer?

Complement evasion is not the principal E-cadherin effect.

Why is "Angiogenesis through VEGF" not the answer?

VEGF promotes blood-vessel formation.

Why is "Degradation of basement membrane by metalloproteinases" not the answer?

Metalloproteinases degrade matrix but are a separate invasion mechanism.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neoplasia: metastasis in Pathology. Its loss weakens cohesion, allowing malignant cells to detach before traversing extracellular matrix and entering vessels.

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 Neoplasia: metastasis?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology 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.