Neoplasia: WHO neuroblastoma prognosis: practice question

A Pathology 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.

Try it

Pathology · Neoplasia: WHO neuroblastoma prognosis

Sample item

A 2-year-old has an abdominal mass and opsoclonus-myoclonus. The tumour biopsy shows small round blue cells with Homer-Wright rosettes. Which finding indicates the worst prognosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. MYCN amplification

MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma indicates aggressive disease whatever the stage. Favourable features include young age, hyperdiploidy and differentiation.

Option by option

  • A. Presence of ganglion cell maturation

    Ganglion cell maturation indicates a more differentiated, favourable tumour.

  • B. Age under 18 months

    Age under 18 months is linked with a better outcome.

  • C. Hyperdiploidy

    Hyperdiploidy is a favourable feature in young children.

  • D. MYCN amplification (correct)

    Correct. MYCN amplification is the key adverse marker.

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 Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is D, MYCN amplification. MYCN amplification in neuroblastoma indicates aggressive disease whatever the stage.

Why is "Presence of ganglion cell maturation" not the answer?

Ganglion cell maturation indicates a more differentiated, favourable tumour.

Why is "Age under 18 months" not the answer?

Age under 18 months is linked with a better outcome.

Why is "Hyperdiploidy" not the answer?

Hyperdiploidy is a favourable feature in young children.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neoplasia: WHO neuroblastoma prognosis in Pathology. Favourable features include young age, hyperdiploidy and differentiation.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Neoplasia: WHO neuroblastoma prognosis?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology 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.