CT Non-Gynecologic Cytology 3

Question 1

Which immunohistochemical marker panel BEST confirms mesothelioma versus metastatic adenocarcinoma in an effusion cell block?

Accepted Answer

Calretinin/WT-1 positive; CEA/BerEP4 negative

Answer

Mesothelioma is positive for mesothelial markers (calretinin, WT-1) and negative for epithelial carcinoma markers (CEA, BerEP4); adenocarcinoma shows the opposite pattern.

Question 2

Intranuclear pseudoinclusions (cytoplasmic invaginations into the nucleus) in thyroid FNA cytology are a hallmark feature of which diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Papillary thyroid carcinoma

Answer

Intranuclear pseudoinclusions, along with nuclear grooves and powdery 'Orphan Annie eye' chromatin, are diagnostic hallmarks of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Question 3

In the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology, which category carries the highest risk of malignancy and typically warrants surgical resection?

Accepted Answer

Category VI: Malignant

Answer

Bethesda Category VI (Malignant) carries a malignancy risk of 97–99% and is a direct indication for surgical intervention without further diagnostic workup.

Question 4

Reed-Sternberg cells, which are large binucleated cells with prominent 'owl-eye' nucleoli, are pathognomonic for which diagnosis in lymph node FNA cytology?

Accepted Answer

Hodgkin lymphoma

Answer

Classic Reed-Sternberg cells with their giant binucleated 'owl-eye' nucleoli are pathognomonic for Hodgkin lymphoma when seen in an appropriate cellular background.

Question 5

In salivary gland FNA, which cytologic triad is most characteristic of Warthin tumor (papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum)?

Accepted Answer

Oncocytic epithelial cells, mature lymphocytes, and granular proteinaceous background

Answer

Warthin tumor characteristically yields oncocytic (pink granular cytoplasm) epithelial cells admixed with mature lymphocytes in a granular proteinaceous cystic background.

CT - Certified Cytotechnologist Practice Test

CT - Certified Cytotechnologist Practice Test

CT Non-Gynecologic Cytology 3