American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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Prepare for the ABS QE with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question provides hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Start your journey to becoming a certified surgeon and tackle your exam with confidence!

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What is associated with MEN 2A syndrome?

Medullary thyroid cancer
Lung carcinoma
Insulinoma
Paraganglioma

The correct answer is: Medullary thyroid cancer

MEN 2A syndrome, also known as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A, is primarily associated with medullary thyroid cancer. This condition is a hereditary disorder caused by mutations in the RET proto-oncogene and is characterized by a triad of medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal glands), and primary hyperparathyroidism. Medullary thyroid cancer arises from the parafollicular cells (C cells) of the thyroid gland, which produce calcitonin. In individuals with MEN 2A, there is a significantly increased risk of developing this type of thyroid cancer, often leading to earlier screening and prophylactic surgeries in genetically predisposed individuals. The other options, while they involve tumors or endocrine issues, are not directly associated with MEN 2A. Lung carcinoma is unrelated to the syndrome, insulinoma is primarily linked to MEN 1, and paraganglioma, although associated with neuroendocrine tumors, is more common in MEN 2B or in sporadic cases rather than specifically in MEN 2A. Thus, medullary thyroid cancer is the hallmark condition associated with MEN 2A syndrome, making it the correct answer.