Vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) exposure in PVC manufacturing plants is classically associated with which specific rare hepatic malignancy?
- A Hepatocellular carcinoma
- B Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct carcinoma)
- C Angiosarcoma (haemangiosarcoma) of the liver ✓
- D Hepatic adenoma
Correct answer: C. Angiosarcoma (haemangiosarcoma) of the liver
Explanation
Vinyl chloride monomer is an established occupational carcinogen (IARC Group 1) specifically linked to hepatic angiosarcoma — a rare vascular malignancy of the liver that accounts for only 1% of all primary liver cancers but is dramatically over-represented in PVC plant workers. The carcinogenic metabolite is chloroacetaldehyde, which alkylates DNA. Hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with hepatitis B/C, aflatoxin and alcohol, not primarily VCM. Cholangiocarcinoma is linked to clonorchiasis and primary sclerosing cholangitis.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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