Urology: schistosomal bladder cancer: practice question

A General Surgery 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 Surgery · Urology: schistosomal bladder cancer

Sample item

A farmer from an area endemic for Schistosoma haematobium has painless haematuria and a bladder tumour. Which histological type is typical in this setting?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Squamous cell carcinoma

Chronic urinary schistosomiasis causes squamous metaplasia and carcinoma of the bladder. In non-endemic areas the commonest type is transitional cell (urothelial) carcinoma, associated with smoking and aromatic amines. Treatment depends on invasion depth.

Option by option

  • A. Small cell carcinoma

    Small cell carcinoma is rare.

  • B. Transitional cell carcinoma

    Transitional cell is the usual type elsewhere.

  • C. Squamous cell carcinoma (correct)

    Correct. Squamous carcinoma is linked to S. haematobium.

  • D. Adenocarcinoma

    Adenocarcinoma is rare and associated with urachal remnants.

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.

More General Surgery questions

Questions about this General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is C, Squamous cell carcinoma. Chronic urinary schistosomiasis causes squamous metaplasia and carcinoma of the bladder.

Why is "Small cell carcinoma" not the answer?

Small cell carcinoma is rare.

Why is "Transitional cell carcinoma" not the answer?

Transitional cell is the usual type elsewhere.

Why is "Adenocarcinoma" not the answer?

Adenocarcinoma is rare and associated with urachal remnants.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Urology: schistosomal bladder cancer in General Surgery. In non-endemic areas the commonest type is transitional cell (urothelial) carcinoma, associated with smoking and aromatic amines. Treatment depends on invasion depth.

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 Urology: schistosomal bladder cancer?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery 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.