Oncology: neuroblastoma: practice question

A Pediatrics 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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Pediatrics · Oncology: neuroblastoma

Sample item

A child has an abdominal mass crossing the midline, periorbital ecchymoses, and elevated urinary catecholamine metabolites. What diagnosis is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma arises from sympathetic neural crest tissue, often the adrenal medulla, and can produce catecholamines. It may cross the midline and metastasize to bone or orbit.

Option by option

  • A. Retinoblastoma

    Retinoblastoma presents with leukocoria.

  • B. Wilms tumor

    Wilms tumor is usually a renal mass that tends not to cross the midline.

  • C. Rhabdomyosarcoma only

    Rhabdomyosarcoma has different primary sites and biomarkers.

  • D. Neuroblastoma (correct)

    Correct. Cross-midline mass with catecholamine metabolites is typical neuroblastoma.

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 Pediatrics questions

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is D, Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma arises from sympathetic neural crest tissue, often the adrenal medulla, and can produce catecholamines.

Why is "Retinoblastoma" not the answer?

Retinoblastoma presents with leukocoria.

Why is "Wilms tumor" not the answer?

Wilms tumor is usually a renal mass that tends not to cross the midline.

Why is "Rhabdomyosarcoma only" not the answer?

Rhabdomyosarcoma has different primary sites and biomarkers.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oncology: neuroblastoma in Pediatrics. It may cross the midline and metastasize to bone or orbit.

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 Oncology: neuroblastoma?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics 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.