Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which lung cancer is characterized by muscle weakness, hypertension, hypokalaemia, and oedema?

1. Non-small cell carcinoma

2. Small cell carcinoma

3. Squamous cell carcinoma

4. Adenocarcinoma

The correct answer is: Small cell carcinoma

The correct answer is associated with small cell carcinoma, which is known to be linked with paraneoplastic syndromes that can cause various systemic effects. In particular, small cell lung carcinoma can lead to a condition called the ectopic production of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which results in Cushing's syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by muscle weakness, hypertension, hypokalaemia (low potassium levels), and oedema (swelling due to fluid retention). In contrast, non-small cell carcinoma and its subtypes, such as squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, are less commonly associated with these specific paraneoplastic effects. While they may have their own set of paraneoplastic syndromes, the combination of muscle weakness, hypertension, hypokalaemia, and oedema is predominantly seen in patients with small cell lung carcinoma due to its aggressive nature and the production of substances that disrupt normal endocrine function.