Hematologic Malignancies USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 71-year-old man presents with asymptomatic lymphocytosis discovered on routine laboratory work. He now reports painless cervical lymphadenopathy on examination. Vital signs are stable (BP 138/82, HR 78, RR 16, Temp 37.2°C). WBC is 15,200/μL with 78% lymphocytes. Peripheral blood smear reveals numerous mature lymphocytes and characteristic smudge cells. Flow cytometry demonstrates CD5 and CD23 positive B cells. Hemoglobin is 12.8 g/dL. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer choices
- AChronic lymphocytic leukemiaCorrect answer
- BBurkitt lymphoma
- CHairy cell leukemia
- DMultiple myeloma
- EHodgkin lymphoma
- FMycosis fungoides
See the full explanation
Get the correct-answer rationale, why each distractor is wrong, the underlying mechanism, and high-yield associations — plus adaptive practice that targets your weak areas — with a free MedBoardPRO account.