Cytopathology Flashcards
7 cards from real ABPATH practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Cytopathology flashcards as text
In a pancreatic FNA obtained by endoscopic ultrasound, elevated cyst fluid CEA most strongly suggests which lesion?
Answer: Mucinous cystic neoplasm
High cyst fluid CEA indicates a mucinous (potentially premalignant) cystic neoplasm.
A salivary gland FNA shows a biphasic pattern of epithelial cells and metachromatic fibrillary stroma on Diff-Quik. Which diagnosis is favored?
Answer: Pleomorphic adenoma
The magenta fibrillary myxochondroid stroma with epithelial cells is classic for pleomorphic adenoma.
Which lung cytology feature is most characteristic of small cell carcinoma?
Answer: Nuclear molding with salt-and-pepper chromatin and scant cytoplasm
Nuclear molding, fine granular chromatin, scant cytoplasm, and apoptosis characterize small cell carcinoma.
On CSF cytology, which finding is most concerning for leptomeningeal carcinomatosis?
Answer: Clusters of atypical epithelial cells with high N/C ratio
Malignant epithelial cell clusters in CSF indicate metastatic (leptomeningeal) spread.
Which immunostain panel best distinguishes lung adenocarcinoma from mesothelioma in an effusion?
Answer: TTF-1 and MOC-31 positive, calretinin negative
TTF-1 and MOC-31 positivity with calretinin negativity supports pulmonary adenocarcinoma over mesothelioma.
A liver FNA shows enlarged hepatocyte-like cells with increased N/C ratio and thickened trabeculae wrapped by endothelium. Which lesion is most likely?
Answer: Hepatocellular carcinoma
Thickened trabeculae with endothelial wrapping and increased N/C ratio favor hepatocellular carcinoma.
Which stain is used to identify Pneumocystis jirovecii cysts in bronchoalveolar lavage specimens?
Answer: Gomori methenamine silver (GMS)
GMS stains the cyst walls of Pneumocystis jirovecii black.