Pathology B - Midterm Ratio: Prelim Topics
Pathology B - Midterm Ratio: Prelim Topics
PRELIM TOPICS
HEART (1-9)
Maturino, KAJ (1-6)
1. In chronic cor pulmonale, which of the following is observed?
A.RV is dilated
B.LV is dilated
C.RV is thickened
D. LV is thickened
RATIO: C. RV is thickened
In acute cor pulmonale there is marked dilation of the right ventricle without hypertrophy. On cross-
section the normal crescent shape of the right ventricle is transformed to a dilated ovoid. In chronic cor
pulmonale the right ventricular wall thickens, sometimes up to 1.0 cm or more. (Robbins 9th Ed; page
553)
2. A patient was diagnosed of chronic RHD. Which of the following is most frequently observed
concerning the valvular defects?
A. Mitral regurgitation
B. Mitral stenosis
C. Aortic regurgitation
D. Aortic stenosis
A. Hypertrophic
B. Restrictive
C. Hyperplastic
D. Dilated
RATIO: D. Dilated
Pathogenesis. By the time of diagnosis, DCM has typically progressed to end-stage disease; the heart
is dilated and poorly contractile.
Causes:
● Genetic influences
● Myocarditis
● Alcohol and other toxins
● Childbirth- A special form of DCM, termed peripartum cardiomyopathy, can occur late in
pregnancy to months postpartum.
● Iron overload
● Supraphysiologic stress
4. A mass was noted in the left atrium abutting the mitral valve. This is most probably a:
A. Rhabdomyoma
B. Myxoma
C. Fibroma
D. Lipoma
RATIO: B. Myxoma
Primary Cardiac Tumors
● Myxomas- 90% arise in the atria, with a left-to-right ratio of approximately 4:1.
● Lipomas- most often located in the left ventricle, right atrium, or atrial septum
● Papillary Fibroelastoma- usually located on valves, particularly the ventricular surfaces of
semilunar valves and atrial surfaces of atrioventricular valves.
● Rhabdomyoma- usually multiple and involve the ventricles preferentially, protruding into the
lumen.
● Sarcoma- not clinically or morphologically distinctive from their counterparts in other locations.
5. In sudden cardiac death, the most common underlying reason of death is:
A. lethal arrythmia
B. rupture
C. aneurysm
D. none of the above
RATIO: A. lethal arrythmia
SCD is most commonly defined as unexpected death from cardiac causes either without symptoms, or
within 1 to 24 hours of symptom onset. The mechanism of SCD is most often a lethal arrhythmia(e.g
asystole or ventricular fibrillation).(Robbins 9th Ed; pages 551-552)
6. A patient has pure right sided heart failure, her condition is most probably due to:
A. Eissenmenger syndrome
B. Paradoxical embolism
C. Chronic pulmonary hypertension
D. none of the above
Paler, AM (7-12)
7. Imbalance between coronary perfusion and myocardial demand is the main cause of:
A. unstable angina
B. Crescendo angina
C. Typical angina
D. Prinzmetal angina
RATIO: C. Typical Angina
Stable (Typical) Angina is the most common form of angina; it is caused by an imbalance in coronary
perfusion (due to chronic stenosing coronary atherosclerosis) relative to myocardial demand, such as
that produced by physical activity, emotional excitement or psychological stress. (Robbins; page 539)
9. The right ventricle has dilated hypertrophy, possible preceeding cause is:
LUNGS (10-18)
10. Pneumothorax leads to this type of atelectasis
A. Contraction
B. Resorption
C. Compression
D. None of the above
A. Predisposition to infection
B. Reduced oxygenation
C. A & B
D. None of the above
RATIO: C. A & B
Significant atelectasis reduces oxygenation and predisposes to infection. Except in cases caused by
contraction, atelectasis is a reversible disorder. (Robbins; page 671)
A. Emphysema
B. Chronic Bronchitis
C. Bronchiectasis
D. None of the above
RATIO: D. None of the above (All of the choices are under obstructive lung disease)
Obstructive lung diseases (or airway diseases) are characterized by an increase in resistance to airflow
due to partial or complete obstruction at any level from the trachea and larger bronchi to the terminal
and respiratory bronchioles. These are contrasted with restrictive lung diseases, which are
characterized by reduced expansion of lung parenchyma and decreased total lung capacity (Robbins;
page 674)
Obstructive Lung Disease: Chronic bronchitis, Bronchiectasis, Asthma, Emphysema, Small airway
disease, Bronchiolitis (Robbins; page 674)
Restrictive Lung Disorders occur in two general conditions: (1) Chronic Interstitial and Infiltrative
diseases, such as pneumoconiosis and interstitial fibrosis of unknown etiology; and (2) chest wall
disorders (e.g neuromuscular diseases such as poliomyelitis, severe obesity, pleural diseases, and
kyphoscoliosis). (Robbins; page 684)
15. Which of the following subtypes of bronchogenic carcinoma is common peripherally, in women, and
non-smokers?
A. Adenocarcinoma C. Small Cell Carcinoma
B. Squamous Cell Carcinoma D. Large Cell Carcinoma
16. The most common cause of community Acquired Lobar Pneumonia is which of the following
organisms?
A. Mycoplasma pneumonia C. Streptococcus pneumonia
B. Staphylococcus aureus D. Klebsiella pneumonia
17. Electromechanical dissociation is a clinical finding in patients with which of the following lung
pathology?
A. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis C. Massive bronchopneumonia
B. Pulmonary embolism D. Severe acute respiratory syndrome
18. Which of the following paraneoplastic syndrome is associated with squamous cell carcinoma?
A. Cushing’s syndrome C. Hypercalcemia
B. Gynecomastia D. Hyponatremia
GIT (19-27)
Bautista, KGS
Choose the BEST answer.
19.Diagnosis of Barret Esophagus requires which of the following
A. Endoscopy of abnormal mucosa above the GE junction. D. A and B only
B. Intestinal metaplasia E. A, B and C
C. Sour-tasting contents of vomitus
RATIO:
Choices A & B are required for Diagnosis of Barett Esophagus (p.757); pero yung C (Sour-tasting
contents) can be seen in Reflux Esophagitis (p. 755)
RATIO:
B. Acute gastritis – a mucosal inflammatory process with neutrophils; may H. pylori din dito pero kapag
acute gastritis, ang causes ay mas madami. These causes are the factors that cause injury to the lining
(H. pylori infection, NSAIDs, Tobacco, Alcohol, Hyperacidity, Reflux, Increase Peptic enzymes) (p.761).
22.Which is the most common cause of upper GI bleed under 50 years of age?
A. Anal fissures C. Hemorrhoids
B. Gastric ulcers D. Inflammatory bowel disease
RATIO:
Halos nasa pangalan na nila yung characteristics nila. :)
24. A 30-year old male was admitted in the emergency room due to 1-week history of blood-tinged
diarrhea. He also developed arthritis, weakness of the distal limbs and ascending paralysis during
admission. He is a priest that visited an African tribe recently as a missionary. He admitted drinking
unpasteurized milk during his stay. Which of the following bacteria is the etiology of his condition?
A. Salmonella typhi C. Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
B. Clostridium difficile D. Campylobacter jejuni
RATIO:
A. Salmonella typhi: Clinical features neto ay Anorexia, abdominal pain, bloating, bloody diarrhea at
yung ROSE SPOTS.
B. Clostridium difficile:Eto yung nagccause ng pseudomembranous colitis. Clinical features ay
protein loss àhypoalbuminemia
C. EHEC: causes large outbreaks, bloody diarrhea, HEMOLYTIC-UREMIC SYNDROME, and
ischemic colitis
(25-30) Tolentino, Joseph C.
25. A 7 year-old boy was seen In the pediatric’s clinic due to several daek blue to brown macules on the
lips, nostrils, hands, genitalia, and perianal region. His underwear would sometimes with blood. PE shows
a rectal mass. Endoscopy and colonoscopy revealed the presence of multiple large pedunculated polyps.
Bopsy of the polyps shows a characteristic arborizing network of connective tissue, smooth muscle,
lamina propria, and glands lined by normal-appearing intestinal epithelium. What molecular defect is
expected to be seen in this patient?
Ratio
The diagnosis of the patient is Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome which has this S/Sx:
Germline heterozygous loss-of-function mutations in STK11
Hyperpigmentation takes the form of dark blue to brown macules on lips, nostrils, buccal mucosa,
palmar surface.
Grossly, shows polyps (Pedunculated) are most common in the small intestine
Histologically, demonstrates an arborizing network of connective tissue, smooth muscle,
lamina propria, and glands lined by normal-appearing intestinal epithelium
Ratio
The important clues in this question are the adenocarcinoma cells and mutation of MSH2 which are
typical findings in Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer (HNNPCC) / Lynch Syndrome
Lynch Syndrome/HNPCC is an inherited mutation of genes that encode proteins responsible for
the detection, excision, and repair of errors during DNA replication. That may explain why his
brother and sister had cancers.
Medyo vague siya basta look for the cues na lang.
Peutz-Jeugher - should have presence of pedunculated polyps, macules, and STK11 mutations
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis - should have atleast 100 polyps and APC gene mutation
Cowden - should have GI hamartomatous polyps, lipoma, macrocephaly, hemangiomas, and
pigmented macules on glans. PTEN mutation.
27. A 32 year old female was admitted to the emergency room due to RLQ pain, fever, and vomiting. A
laparoscopic appendectomy was done. Gross examination of the appendix shows a yellow-tan nodule
located at the distal tip that measure 2.0x1.0 cm in widest dimensions with a soft cut surface. Microscopic
sections of neoplastic cells have a scant, pink, granular cytoplasm with stippled nuclei arranged in tubules
and islands. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Ratio
Powerpoint-based (2019) ratio to mga beh kasi alaws ata sa GIT chapter ng Robbins.
Basta daw may nodule/tumor sa appendix with neoplastic cells that have a scant, pink, granular
cytoplasm with stippled nuclei arranged in tubules and islands. Neuroendocrine tumor yon.
Eto yung mga tanong na umuulit sa samplex
LIVER (28-36)
28. What is the main serologic marker for type 2 autoimmune hepatitis?
A. Antinuclear Antibody
B. Anti-Smooth Muscle Actin Antibody
C. Anti-Soluble Liver Antigen/Liver-Pancreas Antigen Antibody
D. Anti-Liver Kidney Microsome-1 Antibody
Ratio
Serologic markers for different type of autoimmune hepatits
Type 2 autoimmune hepatitis
Anti-Liver Kidney Microsome-1 (anti-LKM-1)
Anti-Liver Cytosol (ACL-1)
Type 1 autoimmune hepatitis -
Antinuclear Antibody (ANA)
Anti-Smooth Muscle Actin Antibody (ASMA)
Anti-Soluble Liver Antigen/Liver-Pancreas Antigen Antibody (anti-SLA-LP)
Anti-mitochondrial (AMA)
29. Which among these neoplasms is not associated with thorotrast exposure
Ratio
All other choices are associated with thoratrast exposure (HCC, Cholangiosarcoma, and
Angiosarcoma)
Hepatocellular adenoma, on the other hand is associated with oral conraceptives and anabolic
steroids rather than thorotrast
30. This serologic marker becomes detectable in serum before the onset of symptoms and coincides with
the elevation of serum aminotransferases.
A. Anti-HBe C. Anti-HBs
B. IgM anti-HBc D. Total anti-HBc
Ratio
IgM anti-Hbc - detectable in serum before the onset of symptoms and coincides with the elevation of
serum aminotransferases
Anti-HBe - appear in serum soon after HBsAg, and signify active viral replication
Anti-HBs - does not rise until the acute disease is over, concomitant with the disappearance of
HBsAg
Anti-HBc antibody - can be used if Anti-HBs does not appear after several months before
HBsAg disappearance
RATIO:
RATIO:
34. A 30-year-old male patient underwent excision biopsy of hepatic mass which grossly appears tan-
yellow with a central gray-white stellar scar. The lesion is most likely:
36. Most common early mutational event/s in the development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
A. Activation B-catenin D. A and B only
B. Inactivation of p53 E. A, B, and C
C. Overexpression of ERBB2
RATIO:
Rationale :
Pleomorphic Adenoma
-Benign tumors that consist a mixture of ductal and myoepithelial cells, show both epithelial and
mesenchymal differentiation.
-Painless, slow-growing, mobile, discrete masses within the parotid or submandibular areas or
in the buccal cavity.
Warthin Tumor
-Usually arising in the superficial parotid gland, readily palpable.
Pale gray surface punctuated by narrow cystic or cleftlike spaces filled with mucinous or serous
secretions.
The spaces are lined by double layer of neoplastic epithelial cells rests on dense
lymphoid stroma sometimes w/ germinal centers.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
-Grow as large as 8 cm in diameter, apparently circumscribed but lacks well-defined capsules
and often infiltrative at margins.
Pale and gray-white, contain small mucin-containing cysts.
Basic pattern is that of cords, sheets, or cystic configurations of squamous, mucous, or
intermediate cells.
Rationale:
Mucoceles
Most common lesions of the salivary glands.
Results from blockage or rupture of the duct with consequent leakage of saliva into the
surrounding connective tissue stroma.
Most often found in the lower lip, result of trauma.
Most common in toddlers, young adults, and elderly who are more prone to falling.
Mucoceles are pseudocysts with cyst-like spaces lined by inflammatory granulation tissue or by
fibrous connective tissue.
39. A 50year old female heavy smoker complained of a mass measuring 2 x 2 cm in the pinna.
Excision biopsy revealed hyperchromatic neoplastic cells in clusters and in cords with
characteristic peripheral palisading and stromal retraction. Diagnosis would be :
Rationale:
Squamous cell carcinoma- The “classic” malignancies typically preceded by premalignant
lesions can be very heterogeneous in presentation.
In early stages, appear either as raised, firm, pearly plaques OR as irregular, roughened, or
verrucous areas of mucosal thickenings, possibly mistaken as leukoplakia.
Either may be superimposed on leukoplakia or erythroplakia.
As it enlarges, it typically creates ulcerated and protruding masses that have irregular and
indurated (rolled) borders.
Cholesteatomas associated with chronic otitis media are non-neoplastic, cystic lesions 1-4 cm in
diameter lined by keratinizing squamous epithelium or metaplastic mucus-secreting epithelium,
filled w/ amorphous debris from desquamated cells.
Basal cell carcinoma-
Histologically: Two patterns are seen: multifocal growths originating from the epidermis and
sometimes extending over several square centimeters or more of skin surface (multifocal
superficial type) and nodular lesions growing downward deeply into the dermis as cords and
islands of variably basophilic cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, embedded in a mucinous matrix,
and often surrounded by many fibroblasts and lymphocytes. The cells at the periphery of the
tumor cell islands tend to be arranged radially with their long axes in parallel alignment
(palisading).
a. Parasympathetic connections
b. Arise in the great vessels of head and neck
c. Chromaffin positive
d. Scanty cytoplasm with dyskeratosis
Rationale:
Paravertebral paraganglia (e.g., organs of Zuckerkandl and, rarely, bladder). Such tumors
have sympathetic connections and are chromaffin-positive, a stain that detects catecholamines.
Paraganglia related to the great vessels of the head and neck, the so-called aorticopulmonary
chain, including the carotid bodies (most common); aortic bodies; jugulotympanic ganglia;
ganglion nodosum of the vagus nerve; and clusters located about the oral cavity, nose,
nasopharynx, larynx, and orbit. These are innervated by the parasympathetic nervous system
and infrequently release catecholamines.
a. Sebaceous carcinoma
b. Basal cell carcinoma
c. Lymphoma
d. Squamous cell carcinoma
Rationale :
Most common malignancy of the eyelid is basal cell carcinoma, with distinct predilection for
the lower eyelid and medial canthus.
Sebaceous carcinoma-may form local mass mimicking chalazion.
Retinal Lymphoma-Primary retinal lymphoma is an aggressive tumor, involves two retinal layers:
neurosensory retina, and the RPE.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Approximately 95% of cancers of head and neck are SCCs, with the remainder consist of
adenocarcinoma of salivary glands.
Head and neck SCC is the 6th most common neoplasm.
42. Whick of the following is characteristic of pterygium?
Rationale:
47. A person is voiding an average of 3L of urine for the past 2 days, he has:
A. Polyuria C. Oliguria
B. Anuria D. Pyuria
48. Subepithelial humps in electron microscopy are seen, describe the patient:
A. Presence of hematuria C. Presence of anasarca
B. Patient has lipiduria D. All of the above
Simple Cyst (RATIO: Powerpoint- Feb 2019 or page 957, Table 20-11, Robbins and Cotran, 8th Ed)
➔ Simple cyst is characterized as a single or multiple cysts in a normal-sized kidneys. Its clinical
feature is the presence of microscopic hematuria.
Acute Proliferative (Postreptococcal, Postinfectious) Glomerulonephritis/APGN
(RATIO: page 529)
➔ APGN is a primary glomerulopathies classified as nephritic syndrome. It is a clinical complex,
usually of acute onset, characterized by (1) hematuria with dysmorphic red cells and red cell
casts in the urine; (2) some degree of oliguria and azotemia; and (3) hypertension.
Renal Cell Carcinoma (RATIO: page 548)
➔ Renal cell carcinomas have several peculiar clinical characteristics that create especially
difficult and challenging diagnostic problems. The signs and symptoms vary, but the most
frequent presenting manifestation is hematuria, occurring in more than 50% of cases.
Macroscopic hematuria tends to be intermittent and fleeting, superimposed on a steady
microscopic hematuria. Less commonly the tumor may declare itself simply by virtue of its size,
when it has grown large enough to produce flank pain and a palpable mass.
Remember:
➔ The nephritic syndrome is characterized by hematuria, oliguria with azotemia, proteinuria,
and hypertension.
➔ The nephrotic syndrome is characterized by proteinuria, which results in hypoalbuminemia
and edema.
Glomerular disease presenting with a nephritic syndrome are often characterized by inflammation in the
glomeruli. Nephritic patient usually presents with hematuria, red cell casts in urine, azotemia, oliguria,
and mild to moderate hypertension. Proteinuria and edema are common but these are not as severe
as those encountered in nephrotic syndrome.
The classical clinical features of renal cell carcinoma are costovertebral pain, palpable mass, and
hematuria, but all three are seen in only 10% of cases. The most reliable clue is hematuria, but is
usually intermittent and may be microscopic; thus tumor may remain silent until it attains a large size,
often greater than 10cm. At this time it is often associated with generalized constitutional symptoms
such as fever, malaise, weakness, and weight loss.
57. A 67 year old male was diagnosed to have renal neoplasm characteristically described as made up of
pale eosinophilic cells, often with perinuclear halo, arranged in solid sheets with a concentration of the
largest cells around blood vessels. This variant is compatible with what type
A. Clear cell carcinoma C. collecting duct carcinoma
B. Chromophobe cell carcinoma D. papillary carcinoma
Ratio: pages 954-955 (morphology)
Chromophobe cell carcinoma - made up of pale eosinophilic cells, often with a perinuclear halo,
arranged in solid sheets with a concentration of the largest cells around blood vessels.
Clear cell carcinoma - most likely arise from proximal tubular epithelium, and usually occur as solitary
unilateral lesions. They are bright yellow-gray-white spherical masses of variable size that distort the
renal outline. Yellow color is a consequence of prominent lipid accumulation in tumor cells. There are
commonly large areas of gray-white necrosis and foci of hemorrhagic discoloration. Margins are usually
sharply defined and confined within capsule. Growth pattern may vary from solid to trabecular or
tubular. Tumor cells have rounded or polygonal shape and abundant clear or granular cytoplasm
containing glycogen and lipids.
Collecting duct carcinoma - rare variant with irregular channels lined by highly atypical epithelium
with hobnail pattern.
Papillary carcinomas - arise from distal convoluted tubules but can be multifocal and bilateral.
Typically hemorrhagic and cystic especially when large. Tumor is lined by cuboidal to low columnar
cells arranged in papillary formations. Interstitial foam cells are common in papillary cores. Psammoma
bodies may be present. Scant but highly vascularized stroma.
58. The most significant risk factor/s in the causation of renal cell carcinoma is/are
A. Tobacco C. Heavy metal exposure E. A,B,C
B. Hypertension D. A and C
62. This congenital anomaly characteristically presents with kidneys above the pelvic brim or within the
pelvis
A. hypoplasia C. horsehoe
C. ectopia D. agenesis
· Genetic Factors
Testicular tumors are the most common cause of painless testicular enlargement. They occur
with increased frequency in association with undescended testis and with testicular
dysgenesis. (Robbins, p.980)
Cancer may also develop in the contralateral, normally descended testis, further supporting
the idea that cryptorchidism signals the presence of a defect in testicular development and
cellular differentiation that is unrelated to anatomic position. (Robbins, p. 973)
Yolk Sac Tumor also known as endodermal sinus tumor, in approximately 50% of tumors,
structures resembling endodermal sinuses (Schiller-Duval bodies) may be seen; these consist
of a mesodermal core with a central capillary and a visceral and parietal layer of cells resembling
primitive glomeruli. (Robbins, p. 977)
Seminomas are the most common type of germ cell tumor, making up about 50% of these
tumors. An identical tumor arises in the ovary, where it is called dysgerminoma. The classic
seminoma cell is large and round to polyhedral and has a distinct cell membrane; clear or watery-
appearing cytoplasm; and a large, central nucleus with one or two prominent nucleoli.
Germ cell tumors of the testis often secrete polypeptide hormones and certain enzymes that can
be detected in blood by sensitive assays. Such biologic markers include HCG, AFP, and lactate
dehydrogenase, which are valuable in the diagnosis and management of testicular cancer.
(Robbins, p. 979)
Leydig cell tumor form circumscribed nodules, usually less than 5 cm in diameter. The
cytoplasm frequently contains lipid droplets, vacuoles, or lipofuscin pigment, and, most
characteristically, rod-shaped crystalloids of Reinke, which are seen in about 25% of the
tumors. (Robbins, p.980)
Sertoli cell tumors, histologically the tumor cells are arranged in distinctive trabeculae that tend to
form cordlike structures and tubules. (Robbins, p.980)
Testicular tumors are the most common cause of painless testicular enlargement. They
occur with increased frequency in association with undescended testis and with testicular
dysgenesis. (Robbins, p. 980)
75. When it involves the male genital tract,tuberculosis almost invariably begins in the
A.testis C.spermatic cord
B.epididymis D.none of the above
77. A 50 year old has been complaining of severe right flank pain radiating to the area below the rib.
Imaging study revealed right ureteral stones with dilated proximal ureteral segment. What is the most
important consideration in the case of the patient?
A.The dilation of the ureter as it may rupture
B. The erosion of the ureteral mucosa as it promotes mucosal atrophy
C.The effects of the ureteral obstruction to the unilateral kidney
D. The stones might get dislodged into the bladder which will cause excruciating pain
78. A 60 year old has multiple masses in the left ureter which are composed of discohesive transitional
cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, some with abnormal mitotic figures. Some of the cells appear highly
anaplastic. The histologic appearance of this tumor appears similar with primary epithelial tumor arising in
which of the following tissues?
A.Renal pelvis C. Renal calyces
B.Urinary bladder D.All of these
79. A 7 year old male has been complaining of tolerable lower abdominal pain. Imaging studies revealed
a cyst connecting the bladder with the umbilicus. What is the most common malignancy that arises from
this lesion?
a. Squamous cell carcinoma
b. Adenocarcinoma
c. Renal cell carcinoma
d. Urothelial carcinoma
a cyst connecting the bladder with the umbilicus is a urachus. (the canal that connects the fetal
bladder with the allantois that is normally obliterated after birth, but sometimes remains patent in part or
in whole)
When totally patent, a fistulous urinary tract connects the bladder with the umbilicus. In other instances,
only the central region of the urachus persists, giving rise to urachal cysts, lined by either urothelium or
metaplastic glandular epithelium.
Carcinomas, mostly glandular tumors, may arise from such cysts.These account for only a minority
of all bladder cancers (0.1% to 0.3%) but 20% to 40% of bladder adenocarcinomas.
80. A 60 year old renal transplant patient died of urosepsis due to Escherichia coli. On autopsy, the
bladder mucosa has soft, yellow, slightly raised papules that are 3 to 4 cm in diameter. Microscopy of the
lesions revealed macrophages with abundant cytoplasm some with laminated mineralized concretions.
What is your diagnosis?
a. Hunner ulcer
b. Polypoid cystitis
c. Cystitis glandularis
d. Malakoplakia
a. Hunner’s ulcer: chronic mucosal ulcer found in interstitial cystitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome in
the late phase
b. Polypoid Cystitis. inflammatory lesion resulting from irritation of the bladder mucosa. indwelling
catheters are the most commonly cited culprits, any injurious agent may give rise to this lesion. The
urothelium is thrown into broad bulbous polypoid projections as a result of marked submucosal edema.
Polypoid cystitis may be confused with papillary urothelial carcinoma both clinically and histologically.
c. Cystitis glandularis and cystitis cystica. These are common lesions of the urinary bladder in
which nests of urothelium (Brunn nests) grow downward into the lamina propria. Here, epithelial cells in
the center of the nest undergo metaplasia and take on a cuboidal or columnar appearance (cystitis
glandularis), or retract to produce cystic spaces lined by flattened urothelium (cystitis cystica). Because
the two processes often coexist, the condition is typically referred to as cystitis cystica et glandularis. In
a variant of cystitis glandularis goblet cells are present, and the epithelium resembles intestinal mucosa
(intestinal or colonic metaplasia). Both variants are common incidental findings in normal bladders, but
they can also arise in the setting of inflammation and metaplasia.
d. Malakoplakia. A distinctive chronic inflammatory reaction that appears to stem from acquired
defects in phago- cyte function, malakoplakia arises in the setting of chronic bacterial infection, mostly
by E. coli or occasionally Proteus species. It occurs with increased frequency in immunosuppressed
transplant recipients.
81. Invasion of malignant cells into adjacent tissue structure worsens the prognosis or survival of a cancer
patient. In bladder cancer, invasion of which tissue is considered as the major determinant of the survival
of the patient?
a. Lamina propria
b. Detrusor muscle
c. Submucosa
d. Bladder lumen
Rationale:
Mesenchymal tumors are either benign tumors or sarcomas. Benign tumors are collectively rare. The
most common is leiomyoma. They all tend to grow as isolated, intramural, encapsulated, oval-to-
spherical masses, varying in diameter up to several centimeters.
83. a 65 year old female, alcoholic beverage drinker, a 40 pack year cigarette smoker, who was recently
diagnosed to have arthritis for which she took analgesic for 3 days has urothelial carcinoma of the bladder.
What is the risk factor for the development of the malignancy?
a. analgesic use
b. alcoholism
c. cigarette smoking
d. gender, being female
Urothelial carcinoma:
Higher in Men, 3:1, in developed countries, 50 -80 y/o
Factors:
-Cigarette smoking is clearly the most important influence, increasing the risk threefold to
sevenfold, depending on the duration and type of tobacco use
84. A 40 year old was recently diagnosed to have urethritis with accompanying conjunctivits and arthritis.
What is the cause of the triad of findings?
a. Neisseria gonorrhea
b. Chlamydia trachomatis
c. Ureaplasma urealyticum
d. None of these
87. A 20-year-old woman presents with red, vesiculopapular rashes on the vulva associated with fever,
malaise and tender inguinal lymph nodes. Which is the most likely etiology?
A. HSV-1 C. HSV-3
B. HSV-2 D. HSV-4
ANSWER: B. HSV-2
RATIONALE: Page 993
Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
● HSVs are DNA viruses that include two serotypes:
o HSV-1 – typically results in oropharyngeal infection
o HSV-2 – usually involves genital mucosa and skin
● However, depending on sexual practices, HSV-1 may be detected in the genital region and
HSV-2 in oral infections; assctd symptoms: fever, malaise, and tender inguinal LNs
● Earliest lesions consist of red papules that progress to vesicles and then to painful coalescent
ulcers. Cervical and vaginal lesions present with severe purulent discharge and pelvic pain.
Lesions around urethra may cause painful urination and urinary retention.
88. A 25-year-old woman presents with yellowish, frothy vaginal discharge, vulvovaginal discomfort,
dysuria and dyspareunia. Colposcopic examinations shows “strawberry cervix” and Pap smear reveals
large, flagellated, ovoid organisms. These organisms are most likely:
A. Gardnerella vaginalis C. Trichomonas vaginalis
B. Ureaplasma urealyticum D. Mycoplasma hominis
89. A 35-year-old woman presents with yellowish, purulent vaginal discharge, pelvic pain, adnexal
tenderness and fever. Smear of the vaginal discharge shows intracellular and extracellular gram-negative
diplococci. This infection may spread to the upper female genital tract but usually spares the:
A. Fallopian tube C. Endometrium
B. Ovary D. None of these
ANSWER: C. Endometrium
RATIONALE: Page 994-995
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
● Infection begins in the vulva or vagina and spreads upward to involve most structures
● Presents with pelvic pain, adnexal tenderness, fever, and vaginal discharge
● ACUTE COMPLICATIONS: peritonitis and bacteremia (endocarditis, meningitis, suppurative
meningitis)
● CHRONIC COMPLICATIONS: infertility, tubal obstruction, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic pain,
intestinal obstruction (due to adhesions)
● Gonococcal infection
o marked acute inflammation of mucosal surfaces; smears show phagocytosed gram-
negative diplococci within neutrophils
o If infection spreads, the endometrium is usually spared for unknown reasons
❖ Acute suppurative salpingitis – spread to fallopian tube
❖ Salpingo-oophoritis – to ovary
❖ Tubo-ovarian abscesses – accumulation of pus within ovary and tube
❖ Pyosalpinx – pus within tubal lumen
❖ Hydrosalpinx – develop as a consequence of fusion of fimbriae and
accumulation of tubal secretions
90. A 40-year-old woman presents with opaque, white plaque-like epithelial thickening on the vulva
resulting from rubbing or scratching of the skin to relieve pruritus. Histologic examination of this lesion
shows acanthosis, hyperkeratosis and scattered lymphocytic infiltrates in the dermis. What is the most
likely diagnosis?
A. Condyloma acuminatum C. Lichen sclerosus
B. Paget disease D. Squamous cell hyperplasia
92. A 2- year old girl presents with a polypoid mass protruding from the vagina. Biopsy of the mass
shows small malignant cells with oval nuclei. Some cells have protrusions of the cytoplasm from one end,
resembling a tennis racket and some have striations within the cytoplasm. These are features of which
subtype of Rhabdomyosarcoma?
A. Embryonal C. Pleomorphic
B. Alveolar D. Dedifferentiated
Ratio: (page 1001)
Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma also called sarcoma botryoides, this uncommon vaginal tumor
composed of malignant embryonal rhabdomyoblasts is most frequently found in infants and in
children younger than 5 years of age. These tumors tend to grow as polypoid, rounded, bulky
masses that have the appearance and consistency of grapelike clusters. The tumor cells are small and
have oval nuclei, with small protrusions of cytoplasm from one end, resembling a tennis racket.
Rarely, striations (indicative of muscle differentiation) can be seen within the cytoplasm.
93. Cervical biopsy of a 50- year old woman shows diffuse atypia, loss of maturation and expansion of the
immature basal cells to the epithelial surface. These changes are most commonly associated with which
type of HPV?
A. HPV-6 C. HPV-16
B. HPV-11 D. HPV-18
Ratio: (page1002)
High-risk HPVs are by far the most important factor in the development of cervical cancer. HPVs are
DNA viruses that are typed based on their DNA sequence and grouped into those of high and low
oncogenic risk. There are 15 high risk HPVs that are currently identified, but HPV-16 alone accounts
for almost 60% of cervical cancer cases, and HPV-18 accounts for another 10% of cases; other
HPV types contribute to less than 5% of cases, individually.
94. A 55- year old woman presents with a fungating mass in the cervix. Biopsy of the mass shows a nest
of malignant keratinized squamous cells which invades the underlying cervical stroma (2.5 mm deep and
6 mm wide). What is the stage of cervical carcinoma?
A. Stage 0 C. Stage Ia2
B. Stage Ia1 D. Stage Ib
Ratio:(pa
ge 1005)
95. What is the “date” of the endometrium based on the following histologic features? –Presence of
prominent spiral arterioles accompanied by increase in ground substance and edema between the
stromal cells. There is stromal cell hypertrophy and increased cytoplasmic eosinophilia.
96. (Refer to #95) What is the predominant hormone during this phase?
A. Estrogen C. Luteinizing hormone
B. Progesterone D. Follicle stimulating hormone
Other choices:
A. Adenomyosis (page 1012): A related disorder, adenomyosis, is defined as the presence of
endometrial tissue within the uterine wall (myometrium).
C. Trophoblastic disease (page 1039): Gestational trophoblastic disease encompasses a spectrum
of tumors and tumor-like conditions characterized by proliferation of placental tissue, either villous or
trophoblastic. The major disorders of this type are hydatidiform mole (complete and partial),
invasive mole, choriocarcinoma, and placental site trophoblastic tumor (PSTT).
D. Adenocarcinoma
99. A 78-year old woman was diagnosed with cancer of the endometrium. This tumor is usually
associated with:
A. Obesity C. Endometrial atrophy
B. Diabetes D. Unopposed estrogen
Ratio: page 1015
Type II (Serous) Carcinoma. These generally occur in women who are about 10 years older than
those with type I carcinomas, and in contrast to type I carcinoma they usually arise in the setting of
endometrial atrophy.
Other Choices: A, B, and D are Type I (Endometrial Carcinoma)
100. A 50-year old woman has bulky, fleshy masses that invade the uterine wall. The mass is composed
of smooth muscle cells which exhibit cytologic atypia. More than 10 mitoses per hpf are noted. What is
the most likely diagnosis?
A. Fibroids C. Carcinosarcoma
B. Leiomyosarcoma D. Adenosarcoma
Other choices:
A. KRAS (page 1015): Type 1 endometrial carcinoma. Mutations that activate KRAS, which also
stimulates PI3K/AKT signaling, are found in approximately 25% of cases.
B. BRAF (page 1025): Low-grade tumors arising in serous borderline tumors have mutations in the
KRAS, BRAF, or ERBB2 oncogenes, and usually have wild type TP53 genes.
102. A 30-year old woman has unilateral cystic tumor measuring 5 cm in the left ovary. Biopsy of the
tumor shows a nest of epithelial cells that is sharply demarcated from the normal ovarian stroma. The
epithelial cells resemble the epithelium of urinary tract. What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Hilus cell tumor C. Pregnancy luteoma
B. Brenner tumor D. Dermoid cyst
Other choices:
A.Hilus Cell Tumor (page 1033): Hilus cell tumors (pure Leydig cell tumors) are usually derived
from clusters of polygonal cells arranged around hilar vessels. These rare, unilateral tumors are
comprised of large lipid-laden Leydig cells with distinct borders and characteristic cytoplasmic
structures called Reinke crystalloids. Women with hilus cell tumors usually present with evidence of
masculinization in the form of hirsutism, voice changes, and clitoral enlargement, but these changes
are milder than those seen in association with Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors.
C.Pregnancy Luteoma (page 1034): refers to a rare tumor that closely resembles the corpus
luteum of pregnancy. These tumors may produce virilization in pregnant patients and their female
infants.
D.Dermoid cyst (page 1029): Mature (Benign) Teratomas. Most benign teratomas are cystic and are
often referred to as dermoid cysts, because they are almost always lined by skin-like structures.
They may be discovered incidentally, but are occasionally associated with clinically important
paraneoplastic syndromes, such as inflammatory limbic encephalitis, which may remit upon removal
of the tumor.
103-108. Vhen Balandra, RMT
103. What biomarker is useful in identifying Granulosa cell tumors?
A. HCG C. Inhibin
B. PSA D. a-fetoprotein
A. HCG- Like all choriocarcinomas they elaborate high levels of chorionic gonadotropins, which
may be helpful in establishing the diagnosis or detecting recurrences. In contrast to
choriocarcinomas arising in placental tissue, those arising in the ovary are generally
unresponsive to chemotherapy and are often fatal. - Robbins 9th ed. p. 1031
C. Elevated tissue and serum levels of inhibin, a product of granulosa cells, are associated with
granulosa cell tumors. This biomarker may be useful for identifying granulosa and other
sex cord-stromal tumors, and for monitoring patients being treated for these neoplasms.
- Robbins 9th ed. p.1032
D. a-fetoprotein- Though rare, yolk sac tumor (also known as endodermal sinus tumor) still ranks
as the second most common malignant tumor of germ cell origin. It is thought that to be derived
from malignant germ cells that are differentiating along the extraembryonic yolk sac lineage.
Similar to the normal yolk sac, the tumor cells elaborate α-fetoprotein. -Robbins 9th ed. p. 1031
104. The following are features of complete mole:
A. Fertilization of an egg with two sperm
B. 69, XXY or 92, XXXY
C. Presence of fetal parts
D. Very high HCG levels
Complete mole results from fertilization of an egg that has lost its female chromosomes, and as a
result the genetic material is completely paternally derived. Ninety percent have a 46,XX karyotype
stemming from the duplication of the genetic material of one sperm (a phenomenon called
androgenesis). The remaining 10% result from the fertilization of an empty egg by two sperm;
these may have 46,XX or 46,XY karyotype. In complete moles the embryo dies very early in
development and therefore is usually not identified. Patients have 2.5% risk of subsequent
choriocarcinoma and 15% risk of persistent or invasive mole. In complete moles, human chorionic
gonadotropin (HCG) levels greatly exceed those of a normal pregnancy of similar gestational age.-
Robbins 9th ed. p. 1039-1040
Partial moles result from fertilization of an egg with two sperm. In these moles the karyotype is
triploid (e.g., 69,XXY) or occasionally tetraploid (92,XXXY). Fetal tissues are typically present.
Partial moles have an increased risk of persistent molar disease, but are not associated with
choriocarcinoma. -Robbins 9th ed. p. 1040
Partial moles result from fertilization of an egg with two sperm. In these moles the karyotype is triploid
(e.g., 69,XXY) or occasionally tetraploid (92,XXXY). Fetal tissues are typically present. Partial moles
have an increased risk of persistent molar disease, but are not associated with choriocarcinoma. -
Robbins 9th ed. p. 1040
107. Thanatophoric dysplasia is the most common form of lethal dwarfism. The underdeveloped thoracic
cavity leads to respiratory insufficiency, leading patient to die at birth or soon after. Which among these
genetic mutation is seen in this case?
A. HOXD13
B. FGFR3
C. LRP5
D. RANKL
108. Of the cellular components of mature bone, these cells help control calcium and phosphate levels
and detects mechanical forces. They are also interconnected by an intricate network of dendritic
cytoplasmic process through tunnels known as canaliculo. What is this cellular component of the bone?
A. Osteoblast
B. Osteocytes
C. Osteoclast
D. Chrondrocytes- resident cells of cartilage and are responsible for synthesizing a range of
collagenous and non-collagenous extracellular matrix macromolecules.
Osteoblasts, located on the surface of the matrix, synthesize, transport and assemble the matrix
and regulate its mineralization. The synthesis of matrix is tightly regulated by hormonal and local
mediators as described in detail later. Over time, osteoblasts may become inactive, indicated by a
decrease in cytoplasm. Some inactive cells remain on the surface of trabeculae. Alternatively, they may
become embedded within the matrix (osteocytes). -Robbins 9th ed. p. 1180-1181
B. Achondroplasia is the most common skeletal dysplasia and a major cause of dwarfism. It is an autosomal
dominant disorder resulting in retarded cartilage growth.
Affected individuals have shortened proximal extremities, a trunk of relatively normal length, and an enlarged
head with bulging forehead and conspicuous depression of the root of the nose.
The skeletal abnormalities are usually not associated with changes in longevity, intelligence, or reproductive
status.
It is caused by gain-of-function mutations in the FGF receptor 3 (FGFR3). Normally, FGF-mediated activation of
FGFR3 inhibits endochondral growth. Constitutive activation of FGFR3 exaggerates this effect, suppressing
growth.
Approximately 90% of cases stem from new mutations, almost all of which occur in the paternal allele.
110. A 70-year-old male complained of constants pain on his left thigh associated with erythema. Physical
examination revealed bowing of femur and tibia. The clinician considered Paget diseaseat this point in
time. Which among these microscopic features would prove the diagnosis?
A. Osteoporotic bones especially in phalanges and femur
B. Trabecular plates become perforated and thinned
C. Length of trabeculae creates an appearance of rail road tracts
D. Jigsaw pattern-like appearance producing unsual cement lines.
Page 1190-1191
A. Osteoporosis is generalized, but is most severe in the phalanges, vertebrae and proximal femur.
B.Osteoporosis. The hallmark of osteoporosis is histologically normal bone that is decreased in quantity. The
entire skeleton is affected in postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis but certain bones tend to be more severely
impacted.
· In postmenopausal osteoporosis the increase in osteoclast activity affects mainly bones or portions
of bones that have increased surface area, such as the cancellous compartment of vertebral bodies.
· The trabecular plates become perforated, thinned, and lose their interconnections leading to
progressive microfractures and eventual vertebral collapse.
· In senile osteoporosis the cortex is thinned by subperiosteal and endosteal resorption and the
Haversian systems are widened.
· In severe cases the Haversian systems are so enlarged that the cortex mimics cancellous bone.
C. (Still under Osteoporosis) The increased osteoclast activity in hyperparathyroidism is most prominent in cortical
bone (subperiosteal and endosteal surfaces) but medullary bone is not spared. Indeed, osteoclasts may tunnel into
and dissect centrally along the length of the trabeculae, creating the appearance of railroad tracks and producing
what is known as Dissecting osteitis
D. Paget disease. The hallmark is a mosaic pattern of lamellar bone, seen in the sclerotic phase.
· This jigsaw puzzle-like appearance is produced by unusually prominent cement lines, which join
haphazardly oriented units of lamellar bone.
· The findings during the other phases are less specific.
· In the initial lytic phase there are waves of osteoclastic activity and numerous resorption pits. The
osteoclasts are abnormally large and have many more than the normal 10 to 12 nuclei; sometimes 100
nuclei are present. Osteoclasts persist in the mixed phase, but now many of the bone surfaces are
lined by prominent osteoblasts. The marrow adjacent to the bone-forming surface is replaced by loose
connective tissue that contains osteoprogenitor cells and numerous blood vessels.
· The newly formed bone may be woven or lamellar, but eventually all of it is remodeled into lamellar
bone.
· As the mosaic pattern unfolds and the cell activity decreases, the periosseous fibrovascular tissue
recedes and is replaced by normal marrow. In the end, the bone is composed of coarsely thickened
trabeculae and cortices that are soft and porous and lack structural stability. These aspects make the
bone vulnerable to deformation under stress; consequently, it fractures easily.
111. A 7-year-old boy sustained complained an open compound fracture of the fracture of the right tibia
and fibula in a fall as he slid from 2 flights of stairs. Physical examination shows that the tibia and fibula
were protruding from the lower leg. The fracture was set by external manipulation and the skin wound
was sutured. One year later, he continues to have pain in the right leg with a draining sinus tract on the
lateral lower right leg. What radiologic findings are expected in this condition?
A. Involucrum and sequestrum C. Tumor mass with bony destruction
B. Cortical nidus with surrounding sclerosis D. Osteolysis with osteonecrosis
A. It is a case of Osteomyelitis denotes inflammation of bone and marrow, virtually always secondary to
infection.
· Lifting of the periosteum further impairs the blood supply to the affected region, contributing to the
necrosis. The dead bone is known as a sequestrum.
· Rupture of the periosteum leads to a soft tissue abscess which can channel to the skin as a
draining sinus. Sometimes the sequestrum crumbles, releasing fragments that pass through the
sinus tract.
· After the first week, chronic inflammatory cells release cytokines that stimulates osteoclastic bone
resorption, ingrowth of fibrous tissue, and the deposition of reactive bone at the periphery. The
newly deposited bone can form a shell of living tissue, known as an involucrum, around the
segment of devitalized infected bone.
B. Osteoid osteomas are, by definition less than 2 cm in diameter, and usually occur in young men in
their teens and 20s.
· These tumors can arise in any bone but have a predilection for the appendicular skeleton. About
50% of cases involve the femur or tibia, wherein they typically arise in the cortex and less
frequently within the medullary cavity.
· Usually, there is a thick rind of reactive cortical bone that may be the only clue radiographically.
Despite the small size, they present with severe nocturnal pain that is relieved by aspirin and other
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
· Osteoid osteomas elicit the formation of a tremendous amount of reactive bone, which encircles
the lesion. The actual neoplasm (known as the nidus) manifests radiographically as a small round
lucency that may be centrally mineralized.
A.Osteoblastoma is larger than 2 cm and involves the posterior spine (laminae and pedicles) more frequently;
the pain is unresponsive to aspirin, and the tumor usually does not induce a marked bony reaction.
B. Osteoid osteomas are, by definition less than 2 cm in diameter, and usually occur in young men in their
teens and 20s. Despite the small size, they present with severe nocturnal pain that is relieved by aspirin and
other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
C. Osteochondroma, also known as an exostosis, is a benign cartilage-capped tumor that is attached to the
underlying skeleton by a bony stalk. It is the most common benign bone tumor; about 85% are solitary.
· Osteochondromas develop only in bones of endochondral origin and arise from the metaphysis
near the growth plate of long tubular bones, especially near the knee.
· Hereditary exostoses are associated with germline loss-of-function mutations in either the EXT1 or
the EXT2 gene and subsequent loss of the remaining wild type allele in chondrocytes of the growth
plate.
D. Osteosarcoma is a malignant tumor in which the cancerous cells produce osteoid matrix or mineralized
bone.
· Overall, men are more commonly affected than women (1.6 : 1).
· Any bone can be involved. The tumors usually arise in the metaphyseal region of the long bones of
the extremities.
· Histologic features (osteoblastic, chondroblastic, fibroblastic, telangiectatic, small cell, and giant
cell) The most common subtype arises in the metaphysis of long bones and is primary,
intramedullary, osteoblastic, and high grade.
· Osteosarcomas are bulky tumors that are gritty, gray-white, and often contain areas of hemorrhage
and cystic degeneration.
· The tumors frequently destroy the surrounding cortices and produce soft tissue masses.
· They spread extensively in the medullary canal, infiltrating and replacing hematopoietic marrow.
Infrequently, they penetrate the epiphyseal plate or enter the joint.
· The tumor cells vary in size and shape and frequently have large hyperchromatic nuclei. Bizarre
tumor giant cells are common, as are mitoses, some of them abnormal (e.g. tripolar). Vascular
invasion is usually conspicuous, and some tumors also exhibit extensive necrosis. The formation of
bone by the tumor cells is diagnostic
113. Chondrosarcomas are malignant tumors that produce cartilage are genetically heterogeneous. Only
a few reproducible abnormalities have been identified. In sporadic tumors, a common finding is the
silencing of a tumor suppressor gene by DNA methylation. What is tumor suppressor gene involved
in sporadic chondrosarcoma?
A.EXT C. CDKN2A
B.FL1 D. RB
A. EXT – Osteochondroma
· Hereditary exostoses are associated with germline loss-of-function mutations in either
the EXT1 or the EXT2 gene and subsequent loss of the remaining wild type allele in
chondrocytes of the growth plate. Reduced expression of EXT1 or EXT2 has also been
observed in sporadic osteochondromas.
B. FL1- Ewing Sarcoma
· Most ESFT contain a (11;22) (q24;q12) translocation generating in-frame fusion of the
EWS gene on chromosome 22 to the FLI1 gene
D. RB-Osteosarcoma
· RB, which you will recall is a critical negative regulator of the cell cycle. Patients with
germline mutations in RB have a 1000-fold increased risk of osteosarcoma and RB mutations
are present in up to 70% of sporadic osteosarcomas.
114.A 21 year old female complained of sudden of pain and swelling of her right leg. Radiologic
examination revealed sharply defined lytic and expansile lesion with thin shell of reactive bone at the
periphery of her tibia. CT scan was also done revealing internal septa and fluid-filled levels inside a
cavity. The surgeon only decided excise the tumor. The most probably diagnosis would be:
C. Chondromas are benign tumors of hyaline cartilage that usually occur in bones of enchondral origin.
· They can arise within the medullary cavity, where they are known as enchondromas, or on the surface of bone, where they
are called juxtacortical chondromas.
· Enchondromas are the most common of the intraosseous cartilage tumors and are usually diagnosed in individuals 20 to 50
years of age.
· Appear as solitary metaphyseal lesions of tubular bones of the hands and feet.
· The radiographic features consist of circumscribed lucencies with central irregular calcifications, a sclerotic rim and an intact
cortex.
· Ollier disease and Maffucci syndrome are nonhereditary disorders characterized by multiple enchondromas. Maffucci
syndrome is, in addition, distinguished by presence of spindle cell hemangiomas.
· Pathogenesis. Heterozygous mutations in the IDH1 and IDH2 genes have been identified in the chondrocytes of syndromic
and solitary enchondromas. Patients with enchondroma syndromes are mosaics, harboring IDH mutations in only a subset of
otherwise normal cells throughout their bodies.
· Enchondromas are usually smaller than 3 cm and are gray-blue and translucent. They are composed of well-circumscribed
nodules of hyaline cartilage containing cytomorphologically benign chondrocytes.
· The peripheral portion of the nodules may undergo enchondral ossification, and the center can calcify and infarct.
D. Aneurysmal Bone Cyst Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a tumor characterized by multiloculated blood-filled cystic spaces.
· Primary ABC affects all age groups but generally occurs during the first 2 decades of life and has no sex predilection.
· It most frequently develops in the metaphysis of long bones and the posterior elements of vertebral bodies. The most
common signs and symptoms are pain and swelling.
· Secondary ABC can be present in the setting of a number of primary neoplasms, especially giant cell tumor and
chondroblastoma.
· Radiographically, ABC is usually an eccentric, expansile lesion with well-defined margins. Most lesions are completely lytic
and often contain a thin shell of reactive bone at the periphery.
· Pathogenesis. The spindle cells of ABC frequently demonstrate rearrangements of chromosome 17p13 resulting in fusion of
the coding region of USP6 to the promoters of genes that are highly expressed in osteoblasts, leading to USP6
overexpression. USP6 encodes an ubiquitin specific protease that regulates the activity of the transcription factor NFκB.
Increased NFκB activity appears to upregulate genes such as matrix metalloproteases that lead to cystic resorption of bone.
· Secondary ABCs do not have USP6 rearrangements and appear to be triggered by epigenetic mechanisms.
· Aneurysmal bone cyst consists of multiple blood-filled cystic spaces separated by thin, tan-white septa.The septa are
composed of plump uniform fibroblasts, multinucleated osteoclast-like giant cells, and reactive woven bone.
· The bone is lined by osteoblasts, and its deposition typically follows the contours of the fibrous septa. Approximately one
third of cases contain an unusual densely calcified matrix called “blue bone.” Necrosis is uncommon unless a pathologic
fracture is present
○ Morphology:
■ Gross: soft, tan, white & frequently contains areas of hemorrhage and
necrosis
■ Micro: It is composed of sheets of uniform small, round cells that are
slightly larger and more cohesive than lymphocytes. They have a scant
cytoplasm, which may appear clear because it is rich in glycogen. The
presence of Homer- Wright rosettes, round groupings of cell with a fibrillary
core, indicate a greater degree of neuroectodermal differentiation.
■ ES usually invades the cortex, periosteum, and soft tissue
● GIANT CELL TUMOR- aka OSTEOCLASTOMA (dominated by multinucleated osteoclast-type
giant cells)
○ Benign but locally aggressive, usually arises in individuals in their 20s and 40s
○ Pathogenesis: The neoplastic cells express high levels of RANKL, which promotes
the proliferation of osteoclast precursors and their differentiation into mature
osteoclasts via RANK expressed by these cells.
○ Location: epiphysis but may extend into the metaphysis.
■ The majority arise around the knee (distal femur and proximal tibia), but
virtually any bone can be involved.
○ Morphology: Most are solitary,but, multicentric tumors do occur esp. in the distal
extremities.
■ Gross: large-red brown masses that frequently undergo cystic degeneration.
■ Micro: sheets of uniform oval mononuclear cells and numerous osteoclast-
type giant cells with 100 or more nuclei. The nuclei of the mononuclear cells
and the osteoclasts are ovoid with prominent nucleoli.
● OSTEOSARCOMA- malignant tumor in which the cancerous cells produce osteoid matrix or
mineralized bone
○ MOST COMMON PRIMARY MALIGNANT TUMOR of the bone
○ Occurs in all age groups but has a BIMODAL age distribution: (1) 75% occur in
persons <20 years old and (2) smaller 2nd peak occurs in older adults who frequently
suffer from conditions known to predispose to osteosarcoma- Paget’s disease, bone
infarcts, and prior radiation. Men commonly affected than women
○ Location: arise in the metaphyseal region of the long bones of the extremities & 50%
occur about the knee
○ CHARACTERISTIC FEATURE: Codman’s triangle- triangular shadow between the
cortex and raised ends of periosteum, indicative of aggressive tumor, not diagnostic
○ PATHOGENESIS: acquired genetic abnormalities such as complex structural and
numerical chromosomal aberrations. Mutations in well-known tumor suppressor &
oncogenes: RB, TP53, INK4a, MDM2 and CDK4.
○ MORPHOLOGY:
■ Gross: bulky tumors that are gritty, gray white & often contain areas of
hemorrhage and cystic degeneration
■ Micro: cells vary in size and shape, have large hyperchromatic nuclei. Bizarre
tumor giant cells are common. Formation of bone by tumor cells-diagnostic.
Neoplastic bone usually has fine, lace-like architecture.
● CHONDROSARCOMA- are malignant tumors that produce cartilage.
○ Histological subtypes: conventional, clear cell, dedifferentiated and mesenchymal
○ 2nd most common malignant matrix-producing tumor of bone
○ Clear cell & Mesenchymal types: occur in younger patients, in their teens or 20s.
○ Affect MEN twice as frequently as women
○ Location: arise in the axial skeleton especially the pelvis, shoulder and ribs.
○ Pathogenesis:Chondrosarcomas arising in multiple osteochondroma syndrome exhibit
mutations in EXT genes and both chondromatosis related and sporadic
chondrosarcomas may have IDH1 and IDH2 mutations.
○ Morphology:
■ Conventional: large bulky tumors made of nodules of glistening gray white,
translucent cartilage but matrix is often gelatinous or myxoid.
■ Dedifferentiated: low-grade chondrosarcoma with a second, high-grade
component that does not produce cartilage
■ Clear cell: sheets of large,malignant chondrocytes that have abundant clear
cytoplasm, numerous osteoclast type giant cells & intralesional reactive bone
formation
■ Mesenchymal: islands of well-differentiated hyaline cartilage surrounded by
sheets of small round cells
116. The synovial membrane has no basement membrane, which allows for efficient exchange of
nutrients, wastes and gases between blood and synovial fluid. It is lined by two types of cells that are
arranged one to four layers deep. Which of the following cells is seen on the synovial membrane?
A. Fibrocytes
B. Fibroblasts
C. Columnar Epithelial Cells
D. Chondrocytes
RATIO: p1207-1208
Synovial membrane are lined by two types of cells that are arranged in two to four deep layers
deep.
● Type A Synoviocytes: specialized macrophages with phagocytic activity
● Type B Synoviocytes: similar to fibroblasts and synthesize hyaluronic acid and various
proteins.
Chondrocytes are one of the components of hyaline cartilage. These cells synthesize the matrix as well
as enzymatically digest it.
117. The common differentials for joint pain (lacking hyperuricemia) is osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
arthritis. Which of the following morphologic characteristics is present in osteoarthritis and not in
rheumatoid arthritis?
A. Fibrosing ankylosis
B. Bony ankylosis
C. Pannus formation
D. Subchondral cyst formation
RATIO: p1210
118. A 30-year-old female has been experiencing malaise, fatigue, and joint pain for the past 4 months.
There was progressive loss of joint motion, making it difficult to walk and use her hands. On physical
examination, the joint involvement is symmetric and the hands are feet are involved. The second and
third digits on the right hand have a flexion-hyperextension deformity, and there is ulnar deviation of both
hands. Based on history and physical examination, which serological laboratory test is most likely to be
positive in this patient?
A. Anti-DNA topoisomerase I antibody
B. Anti-nuclear antibody
C. Citrullinated peptides
D. Borrelia burgdorferi
119. A 20-year-old-male initially complained of pain upon urination and diarrhea. 2 weeks later he
developed eye pain, blurring of vision, joint stiffness and low back pain. The arthritic episodes waxed
and waned for a period of 2 months. HLA typing was typing done revealing that the patient is positive
for HLA-B27. What is the most likely diagnosis of this patient?
a. Reactive arthritis
b. Enteritis associated arthritis
c. Juvenile idiopathic Arthritis
d. Ankylosing Spondylitis
RATIO p 1212-1213
● REACTIVE ARTHRITIS: by triad of arthritis, non-gonococcal urethritis or cervicitis and
conjunctivitis
○ Men in their 20s or 30s- most affected individuals
○ Also affects individuals with HIV
○ More than 80% are HLA-B27 positive
○ Arthritic symptoms develop within several weeks of inciting bout of urethritis or
diarrhea. Joint stiffness and low back are common early symptoms. The episodes
of arthritis usually wax and wane over several weeks to 6 months.
● ENTERITIS-ASSOCIATED ARTHRITIS:caused by gastrointestinal infection by Yersinia,
Salmonella, Shigella and Campylobacter
○ The arthritis appears abruptly and tends to involve the knees and ankles but
sometimes also the wrists, finger and toes. Unlike reactive arthritis, it lasts for about a
year, then generally clears and only rarely accompanied by ankylosing spondylitis.
○ Associated with HLA-B27
● JUVENILE IDIOPATHIC ARTHRITIS: heterogenous group of disorders of unknown cause that
present with arthritis before age 16 and persist for at least 6 weeks.
○ Compared to RA, in JIA
■ Oligoarthritis is more common
■ Systemic disease is more frequent
■ Large joints are affected more often than small joints
■ Rheumatoid nodules and rheumatoid factor are usually absent
■ Antinuclear antibody (ANA) seropositivity is common
● ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: causes destruction of articular and bony ankylosis, especially
of the sacroiliac & apophyseal joints (between tuberosities and processes)
○ 90% of patients are HLA-B27
○ Aka Rheumatoid spondylitis and Marie Strumpell Disease
○ Disease involving the sacroiliac joints and vertebrae becomes symptomatic in the
second and third decades of life as lower back pain and spinal immobility.
120. A 23-year old female experienced sudden development of acute pain and swelling on the left hip.
She is febrile and initial laboratory tests reveal leukocytosis and elevated ESR. She has 2 children but
none of them have the same symptoms. Joint aspiration was done and sent for culture studies. Which of
the following organisms is expected to be seen in joint fluid?
A. Haemophilus influenzae
B. Neisseria gonorrhoeae
C. Staphylococcus aureus
D. Salmonella enterica
RATIO p1213
● This is a case of SUPPURATIVE ARTHRITIS. The classic presentation is the sudden
development of acutely painful and swollen joint that has a restricted range of motion.
Systemic findings of fever, leukocytosis, and elevated sedimentation rate are common.
● Bacterial infections that cause of suppurative arthritis usually enter the joints from distant sites
by hematogenous spread.
○ Gonococcus: prevalent during late adolescence and young adulthood.
○ Haemophilus influenzae arthritis: predominates in children younger than 2 years of
age
○ Staphylococcus aureus: main causative agent in older children and adults
○ Salmonella infection: individuals (at any age) with Sickle cell disease are prone to
this infection
122. A 67 year old woman has experienced pain in the area around her left knee for the past 6 weeks. On
physical examination, there is minimal loss on range of motion. MRI shows an extensive mass-like
proliferation on the joint with lobulated margins. There is erosion of the adjacent bone. Biopsy was done
revealing reddish-brown tissue cores. Microsections show polygonal cells that resemble synoviocytes with
occasional giant cells and hemosiderin laden macrophages. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a. Monophasic synovial sarcoma
b. Biphasic synovial sarcoma
c. Diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor
d. Localized tenosynovial giant cell tumor
Answer: C
Diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor presents in the knee in 80% of cases, followed in frequency by the
hip, ankle, and calcaneocuboid joints. Affected individuals typically complain of pain, locking, and
recurrent swelling. Tumor progression limits the range of movement of the joint and causes it to
become stiff and firm. Sometimes a palpable mass is appreciated. Aggressive tumors erode into
adjacent bones and soft tissues. Diffuse form tends to involve large joints, the localized type occurs as
a discrete nodule attached in a tendon sheath, commonly in the hand.
123. A 40 year old male has dull constant pain in the midsection of the right thigh for the past 4 months
Physical examination reveals pain on palpation of the anterior thigh, which worsens on movement.
Radiograph of the upper leg and pelvis shows no fracture, but there is an ill-defined soft tissue mass
anterior to the femur. MRI shows a 10x9x6 solid mass deep to the quadriceps but does not involve the
femur. Karyotypic analysis reveals amplification of the MDM2 gene. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a. Chondrosarcoma
b. Liposarcoma
c. Rhabdomyosarcoma
d. Osteosarcoma
Answer: B
Liposarcoma is one of the most common sarcomas of adulthood. It involves deep soft tissues of
proximal extremities and retroperitoneum. One of the key genes in the amplified region 12q is MDM2. It
develops to large tumors and all recur locally.
Answer: A
Embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma- mimic skeletal muscle at various embryonic stage. Composed of
sheets of both primitive round and spindled shaped. Visible cross striations may be present. Sarcoma
botryoides develops in the walls of hollow, mucosa lined structures.
Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma- traversed by network of firbous septate that divides cells into clusters
or aggregates. Center are discohesive, while those in periphery are adherent to the septate. Cross
striations are not present.
Emrbyonal and alveolar are most common in childhood. Pleomorphic more common in adults.
Ewing sarcoma- malignant bone tumor characterized by primitive round cells without obvious
differentiation.
125. A 65 year old female was seen in the gycnecologist due to abdominal distention and weight loss.
Ultrasound revealed a large solitary mass on her uterus. A total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral
salpingo-oopherectomy was done. Gross examination by the pathologist revealed that the fundus of the
uterus has been converted into a large bulky gray tan mass. Microsections show eosinophilic spindle cell
with blunt ended hyperchromatic nuclei arranged in interweaving fascicles. Mitotic figure count was 20/10
hpf. What is the most likely diagnosis?
a. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma
b. Monophasic synovial sarcoma
c. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma
d. Leiomyosarcoma
Answer: D
Leiomyosarcoma- most develop in soft tissues. It is a painless, firm masses. Microsections show
eosinophilic spindle cells with blunt ended hyperchromatic nuclei arranged in interweaving fascicles.
IHC stain with antibodies to actin and desmin.
ENDO PT. 1 (126-150)
Krizzel D. De Guzman, RMT
126. A 50 year old female presents with exophthalmos, weight loss, tremors and palpitations. Serum FT3
and FT4: increased, TSH: decreased, what is your diagnosis
a. Grave’s disease c. Myxedema
b. hyperthyroidism d. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Answer: A
Grave’s disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by production of autoantibodies against
multiple thyroid proteins, most importantly the TSH receptors.
- Most common: Thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI)
- Exophthalmos is associated with increased volume of the retroorbital connective tissue and
extraocular muscles.
Clinical Manifestations
· Thyroid enlargement – increased flow of blood through the hyperactive gland producing bruit.
· Sympathetic overactivity – wide staring gaze, lid lag.
· Ophthalmopathy – abnormal protrusion of the eyeball, may lead to corneal injury.
· Pre-tibial myxedema – Most common in the skin overlying the shins, presents as scaly thickening
and induration.
Laboratory findings:
- Elevated T3 and T4
- Depressed TSH
- Elevated TRH
- Increased uptake of radioactive iodine
127. a 55 year old female presented with a multinodulated anterior neck mass with no other associated
symptoms. Subtotal thyroidectomy was performed. Which of the following are expected in her
histopathology results:
a. flattening of the linings of the follicles c. depletion of colloid materials inside the follicles
b. increase in the number of thyroid follicles d. hyperplasia of the linings of the follicles
Answer: A
Multinodular Goiter
- Recurrent episodes of hyperplasia and involution combine to produce a more irregular enlargement
(multinodular goiter).
Morphology
- Multilobulated, asymmetrically enlarged, weighs > 2000g.
- Goiter may grow behind the sternum or clavicles and produce intra-thoracic or plunging goiter.
- Colloid rich follicles lined by flattened, inactive epithelium and areas of follicular hyperplasia with
degenerative changes.
- Capsule between the nodule and parenchyma is NOT present.
128. histopathology of the tumor showed amorphous pinkish extracellular substance with apple green
birefringence with congo red stain. What is your diagnosis?
Follicular adenomas and carcinomas both are composed of well-differentiated follicular epithelial cells; the latter
are distinguished by evidence of capsular and/or vascular Invasion.
Follicular adenomas are the most common benign neoplasms, while papillary carcinoma is the most common
Malignancy.
129. a 45 year old female with upper respiratory tract infection 1 week prior to consult presents with
painful enlargement of her thyroid glands, FT3 and FT4: decreased, TSH: slightly elevated, if a biopsy of
her thyroid glands were done, what are the expected histopathologic changes?
Answer: B
Morphology
- May be unilateral or bilaterally enlarged and firm.
- Intact capsule, may adhere to surrounding structures.
- Early active inflammatory phase have disrupted scattered follicles replaced by neutrophils
forming microabscesses.
- Later, more characteristic feature appear in form of lymphocytic aggregates, activated
macrophages and plasma cells in collapsed and damaged thyroid follicles.
- Multinulceate giant cells enclose naked pools / colloid fragment
- Chronic inflammatory infiltrate and fibrosis.
Clinical Course
- Most common cause of thyroid pain.
- Transient inflammation and hyperthyroidism, usually diminishing in 2-6 weeks, high serum T4
and T3, low serum TSH in this phase.
- Radioactive iodine uptake is decreased.
- After recovery, 6-8 weeks, normal thyroid function returns.
130. the diagnosis of papillary carcinoma is made on the basis of:
Answer: C.
Papillary Carcinoma
- are the most common form of thyroid cancer,
131. A 50 year-old female diagnosed case of thyroid cancer presented with truncal obesity, buffalo humps,
and hypertension. What is most like histologic type of her thyroid malignancy?
A. Undifferentiated carcinoma C. Papillary carcinoma
B. Follicular carcinoma D. Medullary carcinoma
133. Thyroid specimen: Cut section showed solid cut surface. Microscopic sections showed tumor cells
made up of osteoclast type giant cells and spindle shaped cells. What is your diagnosis?
A. Follicular carcinoma C. Anaplastic carcinoma
B. Papillary carcinoma D. Medullary carcinoma
Robbins page
● Anaplastic carcinomas manifest as bulky masses that typically grow rapidly beyond the thyroid
capsule into adjacent neck structures. On microscopic examination, these neoplasms are
composed of highly anaplastic cells, which may be large and pleomorphic or spindle shaped
and in some cases mixture of the two cell types.
A. On microscopic examination, most follicular carcinomas are composed of uniform cells forming
small follicles, reminiscent of normal thyroid.
B. Papillary carcinomas are solitary or multifocal lesions. The microscopic hallmarks of papillary
neoplasms include the following:
-Branching papillae having a fibrovascular stalk covered by a single to multiple layers of
cuboidal epithelial cells
-Nuclei with finely dispersed chromatin, which imparts an optically clear or empty appearance,
giving rise to the designa- tion ground-glassor Orphan Annie eye nuclei
-Concentrically calcified structures termed psammoma bodies are often present within the
lesion, usually within the cores of papillae. These structures are almost never found in follicular
and medullary carcinomas.
D. Medullary carcinomas may arise as a solitary nodule or may manifest as multiple lesions
involving both lobes of the thyroid. Amyloid deposits, derived from altered calcitonin molecules, are
present in the adjacent stroma in many cases and are a distinctive feature. C
134. Most common cause of hypothyroidism in areas with iodine sufficient diet:
A. Endemic iodine deficiency C. Iatrogenic hypothyroidism
B. Auto-immune hypothyroidism D. Dyshormonogenetic goiter
A history of radiation treatment to the head and neck region is associated with an increased incidence
of thyroid malignancy.
Iodine deficiency - Causes endemic goiter which is a form of diffuse non-toxic (simple) goiter. This
causes enlargement of the entire gland without producing nodularity. Clinical manifestations are
typically mass effects
137. The prognosis of the papillary thyroid cancer is NOT dependent on which of the following factors
A. Age at the time of diagnosis
B. Distant metastasis
C. Capsular and vascular invasion
D. Extrathyroidal extension
If the increased levels of GH are present after closure of the epiphyses, acromegaly develops. In
this condition, growth is most conspicuous in skin and soft tissues, viscera (thyroid, heart, liver, and
adrenals), and the bones of the face, hands, and feet. Bone density may increase (hyperostosis) in
both the spine and the hips. Enlargement of the jaw results in its protrusion (prognathism), and
broadening of the lower face. The feet and hands are enlarged, and the fingers become
thickened and sausage-like.
139. This will favor the diagnosis of SiADH rather than diabetes insipidus
A. Dehydration
B. Hypernatremia
C. Excessive thirst
D. Oliguria
Dehydration and hypernatremia are both manifested in Diabetes insipidus only, and both DI and SiADH
will present with excessive thirst. Diabetes insipidus presents with polyuria(high urine output), while it is
SiADH that will present with oliguria (low urine output)
140. Which of the following will most likely result to hypopituitarism?
A. Adenoma
B. Hyperplasia
C. Carcinoma
D. Ischemia
Hypopituitarism: Arising from deficiency of trophic hormones. This may be caused by destructive
processes, including ischemic injury, surgery or radiation, inflammatory reactions, and nonfunctional
pituitary adenomas.
143. A 35-year old male, motorcycle rider has transection of the pituitary stalk after an accident. Which of
the following complications is expected to occur?
A. Hyperthyroidism C. Hyperprolactinemia
B. Hypercortisolism D. Hypergonadotropism
144. A 30-year old, G3P3 (3-0-0-3), has a postpartum bleeding leading to hypovolemic shock in her last
delivery. Two weeks later she was noted to manifest hypopituitarism. This condition is known as which of
the following?
A. Empty sella syndrome C. Pituitary apoplexy
B. Iatrogenic Hypopituitarism D. Sheehan’s Syndrome
Pituitary adenomas are usually found in adults; the peak incidence is from 35 to 60 years of
age. They are designated, somewhat arbitrarily, microadenomas if they are less than 1 cm in
diameter and macroadenomas if they exceed 1 cm in diameter.
Secondary hyperparathyroidism is caused by any condition that gives rise to chronic hypocalcemia,
which in turn leads to compensatory overactivity of the parathyroid glands. Renal failure is by far the
most common cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism, although several other diseases,
including inadequate dietary intake of calcium, steatorrhea, and vitamin D deficiency, may also cause
this
disorder. The mechanisms by which chronic renal failure induces secondary hyperparathyroidism are
complex and not fully understood.
147.End organ resistance to the effects of parathyroid hormone is seen in which of the following
conditions?
A.Familial hypoparathyroidism C.Secondary hypocalcemia
B.DiGeorge’s syndrome D.Pseudohypoparathyroidism
Robbins page 1105
148.Which of the following is a histologic component/s of Von Recklinghausen’s disease of the bone?
A.Osteoblastic rimming C.Osteoclast type giant cells
B.Hemosiderin pigments D.Keratin flakes
The bone loss predisposes to microfractures and secondary hemorrhages that elicit an influx of
macrophages and an ingrowth of reparative fibrous tissue, creating a mass of reactive
tissue, known as a brown tumor. The brown color is the result of the vascularity, hemorrhage, and
hemosiderin deposition, and it is not uncommon for the lesions to undergo cystic degeneration.
The combination of increased osteoclast activity, peritrabecular fibrosis, and cystic brown tumors is the
hallmark of severe hyperparathyroidism and is known as generalized osteitis fibrosa cystica (von
Recklinghausen disease of bone). Osteitis fibrosa cystica is now rarely encountered because
hyperparathyroidism is usually diagnosed on routine blood tests and treated at an early, asymptomatic
stage .
149. A 52 year old female presents with numerous renal stones, mitral valve calcification and brittle bones.
What is the most likely lesion in her parathyroids?
A.Adenoma C.Carcinoma
B.Hyperplasia D.Ischemia
150.A 45 year old female found to have elevated serum ionized calcium. Ultrasonogram of the
parathyroid revealed all four to be slightly enlarged. This finding is consistent with which of the following?
A.Parathyroid hyperplasia C.Parathyroid Carcinoma
B.Parathyroid Adenoma D.Metastatic Parathyroid Tumor
The morphologic changes seen in primary hyperparathyroidism include those in the parathyroid glands
as well as those in other organs affected by elevated levels of PTH and calcium.
● Parathyroid adenomas are almost always solitary and, similar to the normal parathyroid
glands, may lie in close proximity to the thyroid gland or in an ectopic site (e.g., the
mediastinum). The typical parathyroid adenoma averages 0.5 to 5 gm and consists of a well-
circumscribed, soft, tan to reddish-brown nodule invested by a delicate capsule. In contrast to
primary hyperplasia, the glands outside the adenoma are usually normal in size or somewhat
shrunken because of feedback inhibition by elevated levels of serum calcium.
● Parathyroid carcinomas may be circumscribed lesions that are difficult to distinguish from
adenomas, or they may be clearly invasive neoplasms. These tumors enlarge one
parathyroid gland and consist of gray-white, irregular masses that sometimes exceed 10
gm in weight. The cells are usually uniform and resemble normal parathyroid cells, and are
arrayed in nodular or trabecular patterns. The mass is usually enclosed by a dense, fibrous
capsule.