Pathology Q - snowblack

[ArchivalUser]

In her medical practice, a radiologist uses a betatron, a device which delivers essentially only beta radiation.
If the betatron were defective and she was repeatedly exposed over a period of several years to low but injurious levels of radiation, which of the following complications of such exposure is most likely to occur ?

a) anemia
b) leukopenia
c) thyroid carcinoma
d) a tendency to develop basal cell and epidermoid carcinomas of the hands and face
e) congenital abnormalities in a child born to her late during this period of repeated exposure

[ArchivalUser]

C...Papillary type if I am not mistaken

[ArchivalUser]

ccc

[ArchivalUser]

B...............?

[ArchivalUser]

answer is "d"

[ArchivalUser]

Can you explain why ???

Is this a NBME question ???

[ArchivalUser]

This is a post USMLE rememberd Q.

Beta radiation : electrons ejected from the nucleus of a decaying atom.

Although they can be stopped by a thin sheet of aluminum, beta particles can penetrate the dead skin layer, potentially causing burns.

They can pose a serious direct or external radiation threat and can be lethal depending on the amount received. They also pose a serious internal radiation threat if beta-emitting atoms are ingested or inhaled.

This Radiologist, most probably, works with her hands when in contact with beta rays.
Continous exposure over a long time can affect exposed parts of the body.
In this case her skin or her face.

She did not injest the rays, so the other options are unlikely.