Radiobiology: stochastic effects: practice question

A Radiology 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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Radiology · Radiobiology: stochastic effects

Sample item

Which of the following is a stochastic effect of ionising radiation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Radiation-induced carcinogenesis

Stochastic effects, such as cancer and heritable genetic changes, have a probability that rises with dose and no threshold, while severity does not depend on dose. Cataract, erythema and sterility are deterministic (tissue reaction) effects with thresholds. This distinction is central to dose limits.

Option by option

  • A. Cataract formation

    Cataract has a threshold dose and is deterministic.

  • B. Skin erythema

    Erythema appears above a threshold dose and is deterministic.

  • C. Radiation-induced carcinogenesis (correct)

    Correct. Cancer induction is probabilistic with no threshold.

  • D. Radiation-induced sterility

    Sterility needs a threshold gonadal dose and is deterministic.

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 Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is C, Radiation-induced carcinogenesis. Stochastic effects, such as cancer and heritable genetic changes, have a probability that rises with dose and no threshold, while severity does not depend on dose.

Why is "Cataract formation" not the answer?

Cataract has a threshold dose and is deterministic.

Why is "Skin erythema" not the answer?

Erythema appears above a threshold dose and is deterministic.

Why is "Radiation-induced sterility" not the answer?

Sterility needs a threshold gonadal dose and is deterministic.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Radiobiology: stochastic effects in Radiology. Cataract, erythema and sterility are deterministic (tissue reaction) effects with thresholds. This distinction is central to dose limits.

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 Radiobiology: stochastic effects?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology 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.