Question
Most common nephropathy associated with malignancy is:
| A. |
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)
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| B. |
Minimal change disease
|
| C. |
IgA nephropathy
|
| D. |
Membranous glomerulonephritis
|
Show Answer
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Correct Answer » D
Explanation
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|
Membranous nephropathy is the most commonly associated glomerulopathy with malignancy, especially solid tumors such as lung, colon, and breast carcinoma.
Why D is correct
Membranous nephropathy is a nephrotic syndrome characterized by:
- Light microscopy: Diffuse thickening of glomerular capillary walls
- Immunofluorescence: Granular immunoglobulin G (IgG) and complement component C3 deposits
- Electron microscopy: Subepithelial deposits producing a “spike and dome” appearance
Secondary causes include malignancy, hepatitis B virus, syphilis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and drugs.
Why other options are incorrect
- Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): Associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), heroin use, sickle cell disease, and obesity.
- Minimal change disease: Classically associated with Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy: Characterized by synpharyngitic hematuria and mesangial IgA deposition; not classically associated with malignancy.
