MCQ 1

A 45 year old man is referred to a surgeon by his physician because of a swelling in his jaw. The same patient had been regularly visiting his GP with a variety of symptoms,including muscular aches and pains in his arms and legs and abdominal pain. He has a known history of renal calculi. The surgeon suspects the mass in the neck is a Brown's tumour (osteoclastoma).Which of the following biochemical profiles is likely to be elevated?

a) Serum phosphate

b) Serum glucose

c) Serum uric acid

d) Serum amylase

e) Serum calcium

Correct Answer: E

Explanation:

Brown's tumours are found in Primary hyperparathyroidism. Brown tumours (due to 

increased osteoclastic activity) are particularly common in the jaw and mandible Primary

hyperparathyroidism is usually detected by an elevated serum calcium during routine

biochemical screening.