FCPS Part 1 Radiology: Paediatric, Head & Neck and Breast Imaging MCQs

FCPS Part 1 Radiology's imaging-specific half isn't only chest, musculoskeletal, GI and GU — paediatric radiology, head & neck imaging and breast imaging are smaller regions that still carry real weight and are easy to under-practise. This sample is drawn from the FCPS Part 1 Radiology QBank.

Sample MCQs

1. A neonate with bilious vomiting and a "double bubble" sign on abdominal X-ray most likely has:

• A) Pyloric stenosis
• B) Duodenal atresia ✅
• C) Meconium ileus
• D) Malrotation without volvulus

2. Which paediatric renal tumour classically shows a "claw sign" on imaging?

• A) Neuroblastoma
• B) Wilms tumour ✅
• C) Renal cell carcinoma
• D) Angiomyolipoma

3. Compared with Wilms tumour, neuroblastoma on imaging characteristically:

• A) Stays confined to one kidney
• B) Crosses the midline and often shows calcifications ✅
• C) Never calcifies
• D) Arises only after age 10

4. A calcified mass within the globe on CT in a young child is the classic finding of:

• A) Retinoblastoma ✅
• B) Coats disease
• C) Persistent fetal vasculature
• D) Toxocariasis

5. Fibrous dysplasia of bone classically shows which appearance on plain film?

• A) Moth-eaten lysis
• B) Onion-skin periosteal reaction
• C) Ground-glass matrix ✅
• D) Sunburst pattern

6. On mammography, which calcification pattern is most suspicious for malignancy?

• A) Popcorn-like
• B) Coarse, scattered
• C) Pleomorphic, fine linear or branching ✅
• D) Round and well-circumscribed

7. A BI-RADS 5 mammographic finding means:

• A) Benign, routine follow-up
• B) Probably benign, short-interval follow-up
• C) Highly suggestive of malignancy ✅
• D) Incomplete, needs additional imaging

8. Mammographic sensitivity is most reduced in patients with:

• A) Fatty breast tissue
• B) Dense breast tissue ✅
• C) Prior breast implants only
• D) Calcified fibroadenomas

9. On neck ultrasound, which feature in a thyroid nodule raises suspicion for malignancy?

• A) A smooth, well-defined margin
• B) Pure cystic content
• C) Microcalcifications ✅
• D) Peripheral eggshell calcification

10. The most common parotid gland tumour is:

• A) Warthin tumour
• B) Pleomorphic adenoma ✅
• C) Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
• D) Adenoid cystic carcinoma

11. A branchial cleft cyst most commonly arises from which arch?

• A) First
• B) Second ✅
• C) Third
• D) Fourth

12. A thyroglossal duct cyst characteristically moves with which manoeuvre?

• A) Shoulder shrug
• B) Tongue protrusion/swallowing ✅
• C) Neck lateral flexion
• D) Valsalva

Why These Regions Are Worth Dedicated Practice

Our guide to FCPS Radiology MCQ practice notes that the paper blends bare basic-sciences recall with applied imaging reasoning.

Preparation Notes

• Learn paediatric imaging as named signs tied to a single diagnosis.
• Know the BI-RADS scale by number, not just "benign vs malignant."
• Head and neck masses are usually a location-plus-age question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are paediatric and breast imaging high-yield for FCPS Part 1 Radiology?

They carry fewer questions than chest or musculoskeletal imaging, but the findings tested are highly recognisable and repeat often.

Do I need separate sonography knowledge for these topics?

Basic ultrasound findings do come up, but Part 1 tests recognition and reasoning, not scan technique.

Practise the Full Subject Breakdown

The FCPS Part 1 Radiology QBank covers these regions alongside chest, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, GI/GU, neuroradiology and radiation physics. The first 20 questions are free.