NORCET 9 Mains - 2025
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Medium

Acetoacetic Acid method is commonly used in rural areas to screening the which of the following cancer?

Appeared in: NORCET 9 Mains - 2025

Explanation

  • The question describes Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), a screening method for cervical cancer.
  • Acetic acid (likely misspelled as 'Acetoacetic Acid' in the question) is applied to the cervix, causing precancerous cells to turn white (acetowhite).
  • This method is ideal for rural or low-resource settings because it is inexpensive, provides immediate results, and can be performed by trained healthcare workers, not just doctors.
  • The ability to get results instantly allows for a 'screen-and-treat' approach, which is highly effective when patient follow-up is uncertain.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

  • Option B: Breast cancer screening relies on physical examination (self or clinical) and imaging (mammography), not a chemical application like acetic acid.
  • Option C: There is no simple, effective mass screening test for ovarian cancer. Methods like transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood tests are used for diagnosis or for high-risk women, not for general screening in rural populations.
  • Option D: Oral cancer is screened by a direct visual examination of the mouth. While adjunctive tests exist, such as using Toluidine Blue stain, acetic acid is not the standard agent.

Related Visual

An illustration comparing a normal cervix with a cervix that has tested positive during a VIA test. The positive image should clearly show a well-defined, opaque acetowhite lesi...
Clinical Relevance
  • Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Cervical cancer screening methods in low-resource settings as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
  • Understanding low-cost screening alternatives like VIA is crucial for nurses working in community health and public health, especially in settings with limited resources.
  • The 'screen-and-treat' model, facilitated by tests like VIA, significantly improves patient outcomes by removing the barrier of a return visit for treatment, thus preventing the progression of precancerous lesions to invasive cancer.
  • Nurses play a vital role in educating women about the importance of cervical screening, explaining the procedure, and alleviating anxiety.
How to Approach the Question
  • First, identify the key phrases in the question: 'Acetoacetic Acid method', 'rural areas', and 'screening'.
  • Recognize that 'Acetoacetic Acid' is likely a misspelling of 'Acetic Acid', a common substance (vinegar).
  • Consider which cancer screening method uses acetic acid and is suitable for 'rural areas' (implying low cost and simple technology).
  • Recall or deduce that Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) is a well-known method for cervical cancer screening that fits this description.
  • Evaluate the other options. Breast cancer uses mammography, ovarian cancer has no effective mass screening, and oral cancer uses direct visual inspection. None of these typically use acetic acid.
  • Conclude that the method described is for cervical cancer.
Concept Tested & Keywords
  • Concept Tested: Cervical cancer screening methods in low-resource settings
  • Stem keywords: Acetoacetic Acid method, rural areas, screening, cancer
  • Lead-in keywords: which of the following
  • Clinical cues: The phrase 'rural areas' is a key cue, pointing towards a low-cost, simple screening method that doesn't require extensive laboratory infrastructure.
  • Negative lead-in flag: false

Question ID

QPbTlTKb9waOIJbdkMgF0m

Reference Book

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 55-57

E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 1 p. 1571-1573

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