nbme test 4 for discussion 2 - drmaafo

[ArchivalUser]

A 72-year-old retired high school teacher returns to the office to discuss results of biopsy of a left supraclavicular lymph node obtained 2 days ago. Biopsy findings are reported as moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. He had been previously healthy and takes no medications. He is 178 cm (5 ft 10 in) tall and weighs 83 kg (183 lb); BMI is 26 kg/m2. Vital signs are temperature 37.2°C (98.9°F), pulse 72/min, respirations 18/min, and blood pressure 144/76 mm Hg. Physical examination shows anicteric sclerae and a healing wound on the neck at the site of the biopsy. Palpation of the neck discloses a left supraclavicular node and firm bilateral axillary lymph nodes. The abdomen is flat, soft, and nontender; no masses are palpated; bowel sounds are active. The liver edge is palpated 3 cm below the right costal margin and has a span of 12 cm. The spleen is not palpable. Which of the following is the most accurate statement regarding the patient's life expectancy?

A ) His life expectancy cannot be determined until results of serum α-fetoprotein concentrations are obtained
B ) His life expectancy cannot be determined until results of serum prostate-specific antigen concentrations are obtained
C ) His life expectancy cannot be predicted because successful treatment with chemotherapy could extend his life by several years
D ) His life expectancy is unlimited with appropriate therapy
E ) The likelihood that the patient will have a life expectancy of more than 1 year is minimal, but predicting life expectancy in individual patients is imprecise

[ArchivalUser]

I feel the answer is E. Individual vs population risk.

[ArchivalUser]

Thanks!