Lung pathology: 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 · Lung pathology

Sample item

A retired shipyard worker has progressive dyspnoea. Imaging shows lower-zone interstitial fibrosis and calcified pleural plaques. Sputum shows golden-brown beaded rods with a translucent centre. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Asbestosis

Asbestosis causes subpleural fibrosis predominantly in the lower lobes, with pleural plaques. Ferruginous bodies are asbestos fibres coated with iron-protein complexes.

Option by option

  • A. Berylliosis

    Berylliosis shows non-caseating granulomas and is linked to aerospace and electronics work.

  • B. Silicosis

    Silicosis favours the upper lobes with eggshell calcification of hilar nodes.

  • C. Coal worker's pneumoconiosis

    Coal worker's pneumoconiosis involves the upper lobes with anthracotic pigment and no ferruginous bodies.

  • D. Asbestosis (correct)

    Lower-lobe fibrosis, pleural plaques and ferruginous bodies point to asbestos exposure.

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, Asbestosis. Asbestosis causes subpleural fibrosis predominantly in the lower lobes, with pleural plaques.

Why is "Berylliosis" not the answer?

Berylliosis shows non-caseating granulomas and is linked to aerospace and electronics work.

Why is "Silicosis" not the answer?

Silicosis favours the upper lobes with eggshell calcification of hilar nodes.

Why is "Coal worker's pneumoconiosis" not the answer?

Coal worker's pneumoconiosis involves the upper lobes with anthracotic pigment and no ferruginous bodies.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Lung pathology in Pathology. Ferruginous bodies are asbestos fibres coated with iron-protein complexes.

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 Lung pathology?

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.