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 2-year-old has a hard abdominal mass crossing the midline, periorbital ecchymosis and opsoclonus-myoclonus. Which investigation supports the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Raised urinary VMA and HVA

Neuroblastoma arises from the neural crest of the adrenal medulla or sympathetic chain and secretes catecholamines, giving high urinary VMA and HVA. MYCN amplification predicts poor prognosis. MIBG scan assesses disease spread.

Option by option

  • A. Raised beta-hCG

    Beta-hCG is a germ cell tumour marker.

  • B. Raised urinary VMA and HVA (correct)

    Correct. VMA and HVA are raised.

  • C. Raised serum AFP

    AFP is raised in hepatoblastoma and germ cell tumours.

  • D. Raised urinary 5-HIAA

    5-HIAA is raised in carcinoid tumours.

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 Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is B, Raised urinary VMA and HVA. Neuroblastoma arises from the neural crest of the adrenal medulla or sympathetic chain and secretes catecholamines, giving high urinary VMA and HVA.

Why is "Raised beta-hCG" not the answer?

Beta-hCG is a germ cell tumour marker.

Why is "Raised serum AFP" not the answer?

AFP is raised in hepatoblastoma and germ cell tumours.

Why is "Raised urinary 5-HIAA" not the answer?

5-HIAA is raised in carcinoid tumours.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oncology: neuroblastoma in Pediatrics. MYCN amplification predicts poor prognosis. MIBG scan assesses disease spread.

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.