Neoplasia: paraneoplastic syndromes: 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: paraneoplastic syndromes

Sample item

Which tumor is classically associated with ectopic ACTH production causing Cushing syndrome?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Small-cell carcinoma of the lung

Small-cell lung carcinoma can produce ectopic ACTH, leading to cortisol excess and Cushing syndrome. It can also cause SIADH and Lambert-Eaton syndrome.

Option by option

  • A. Papillary thyroid carcinoma

    Papillary thyroid carcinoma is not the classic ectopic ACTH source.

  • B. Renal cell carcinoma only

    Renal cell carcinoma more often causes erythrocytosis through EPO production.

  • C. Basal cell carcinoma

    Basal cell carcinoma is locally invasive skin cancer with rare metastasis.

  • D. Small-cell carcinoma of the lung (correct)

    Correct. Small-cell carcinoma has several classic paraneoplastic endocrine syndromes.

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 D, Small-cell carcinoma of the lung. Small-cell lung carcinoma can produce ectopic ACTH, leading to cortisol excess and Cushing syndrome.

Why is "Papillary thyroid carcinoma" not the answer?

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is not the classic ectopic ACTH source.

Why is "Renal cell carcinoma only" not the answer?

Renal cell carcinoma more often causes erythrocytosis through EPO production.

Why is "Basal cell carcinoma" not the answer?

Basal cell carcinoma is locally invasive skin cancer with rare metastasis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neoplasia: paraneoplastic syndromes in Pathology. It can also cause SIADH and Lambert-Eaton syndrome.

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: paraneoplastic syndromes?

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.