Haematology and oncology: Trousseau syndrome of malignancy: practice question

A General Medicine 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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General Medicine · Haematology and oncology: Trousseau syndrome of malignancy

Sample item

A 62-year-old man with weight loss and epigastric pain develops recurrent migratory superficial thrombophlebitis without immobility. Which cancer is classically associated?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Pancreatic carcinoma

Migratory thrombophlebitis as a manifestation of malignancy is known as Trousseau syndrome and is classically linked to mucin-secreting adenocarcinomas, especially pancreatic cancer. It can precede the cancer diagnosis.

Option by option

  • A. Basal cell carcinoma of skin

    Basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasises and is not linked to thrombosis.

  • B. Hodgkin lymphoma

    Hodgkin lymphoma causes fever and pruritus rather than migratory thrombophlebitis.

  • C. Pancreatic carcinoma (correct)

    Correct. Pancreatic and other mucin-secreting adenocarcinomas cause migratory thrombophlebitis.

  • D. Papillary thyroid carcinoma

    Papillary thyroid carcinoma is not typically associated with hypercoagulability.

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 General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is C, Pancreatic carcinoma. Migratory thrombophlebitis as a manifestation of malignancy is known as Trousseau syndrome and is classically linked to mucin-secreting adenocarcinomas, especially pancreatic cancer.

Why is "Basal cell carcinoma of skin" not the answer?

Basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasises and is not linked to thrombosis.

Why is "Hodgkin lymphoma" not the answer?

Hodgkin lymphoma causes fever and pruritus rather than migratory thrombophlebitis.

Why is "Papillary thyroid carcinoma" not the answer?

Papillary thyroid carcinoma is not typically associated with hypercoagulability.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Haematology and oncology: Trousseau syndrome of malignancy in General Medicine. It can precede the cancer diagnosis.

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 Haematology and oncology: Trousseau syndrome of malignancy?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine 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.