Nasopharynx: EBV markers: practice question

A ENT 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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ENT · Nasopharynx: EBV markers

Sample item

Which test is used for screening and monitoring nasopharyngeal carcinoma?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. IgA antibodies to EBV viral capsid antigen and plasma EBV DNA

EBV-related IgA antibodies (VCA, EA) and circulating plasma EBV DNA correlate with tumour burden and recurrence in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Other markers are for ovarian, hepatic and autoimmune diseases.

Option by option

  • A. Serum CA 125

    CA 125 relates to ovarian cancer.

  • B. Serum alpha-fetoprotein

    Alpha-fetoprotein relates to hepatocellular carcinoma.

  • C. Anti-nuclear antibodies

    ANA relates to autoimmune disease.

  • D. IgA antibodies to EBV viral capsid antigen and plasma EBV DNA (correct)

    Correct. EBV markers are used in NPC.

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 ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, IgA antibodies to EBV viral capsid antigen and plasma EBV DNA. EBV-related IgA antibodies (VCA, EA) and circulating plasma EBV DNA correlate with tumour burden and recurrence in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Why is "Serum CA 125" not the answer?

CA 125 relates to ovarian cancer.

Why is "Serum alpha-fetoprotein" not the answer?

Alpha-fetoprotein relates to hepatocellular carcinoma.

Why is "Anti-nuclear antibodies" not the answer?

ANA relates to autoimmune disease.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nasopharynx: EBV markers in ENT. Other markers are for ovarian, hepatic and autoimmune diseases.

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 Nasopharynx: EBV markers?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT 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.