Salivary Gland Neoplasms — MCQs
Microscopically, epimyoepithelial islands are typically seen in:
Most common parotid gland tumour is
Frey's syndrome occurs due to aberrant misdirection of fibers from salivary glands to sweat glands. These fibers come from which of the following?
Which of the following structures is not found in the parotid gland?
A 26-year-old male presents to the outpatient department with a discrete thyroid swelling. On neck ultrasound, an isolated cystic swelling of the gland is seen. What is the risk of malignancy associated with this finding?
What is the most likely diagnosis for the parotid mass with mixed consistency shown in the image?
Statement 1 - A 59-year-old patient presents with flaccid bullae. Histopathology shows a suprabasal acantholytic split. Statement 2 - The row of tombstones appearance is diagnostic of Pemphigus vulgaris.
What is the most common malignant tumor of the parotid gland?
Frey's syndrome occurs due to aberrant regeneration of parasympathetic nerve fibers following parotid surgery, leading to gustatory sweating. The nerve directly involved in this aberrant reinnervation is:
Ptyalin is secreted by?
Salivary Gland Neoplasms Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: Microscopically, epimyoepithelial islands are typically seen in:
- A. Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma
- B. Myoepithelioma
- C. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma
- D. Sjögren's syndrome (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Sjögren's syndrome*** - **Epimyoepithelial islands** are a characteristic histopathological feature of **Sjögren's syndrome**, particularly in affected salivary glands. [1] - These islands represent **benign lymphoepithelial lesions** where ducts are surrounded by lymphocytes, eventually forming true islands. *Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma* - This is a **malignant salivary gland tumor** with dual differentiation, but it typically presents as distinct inner epithelial and outer myoepithelial layers around ducts or cords, not as true "islands." - While it involves both epithelial and myoepithelial cells, its arrangement and neoplastic nature differ from the benign epimyoepithelial islands of Sjögren's. *Myoepithelioma* - This is a **benign tumor composed predominantly of myoepithelial cells**, often appearing in various morphological patterns (spindle, plasmacytoid, epithelioid, clear cell). - It does not typically form the well-defined **lymphoepithelial islands** seen in Sjögren's, as its characteristic is the proliferation of myoepithelial cells in a different architectural pattern. *Mucoepidermoid carcinoma* - This is a common **malignant salivary gland tumor** characterized by a mixture of mucin-producing cells, epidermoid cells, and intermediate cells. - Its histological features are distinct and do not include the formation of **epimyoepithelial islands**, which are diagnostically specific to Sjögren's syndrome. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of the Immune System, pp. 235-236.
Question 2: Most common parotid gland tumour is
- A. Monomorphic adenoma
- B. Primary lymphoma
- C. Pleomorphic adenoma (Correct Answer)
- D. Adenocarcinoma
Explanation: ***Pleomorphic adenoma*** - This is the **most common benign tumor** of the salivary glands, accounting for approximately **60-70%** of all parotid gland tumors [1]. - It is characterized by its **mixed stromal and epithelial components**, giving it a pleomorphic (varied) appearance [1]. *Monomorphic adenoma* - This is a **less common benign epithelial tumor** of the salivary glands compared to pleomorphic adenoma. - It lacks the **stromal component** seen in pleomorphic adenoma and typically affects older individuals. *Adeno adenocarcinoma* - This is a type of **malignant epithelial tumor** of the salivary glands, which is much less common than benign pleomorphic adenoma [1]. - While it can occur in the parotid gland, it constitutes a **minority of parotid tumors**, typically presenting with more aggressive features. *Primary lymphoma* - **Lymphomas** can occur in the salivary glands but are **rare** as primary tumors of the parotid gland itself. - They typically arise from **lymphoid tissue** within or adjacent to the gland, often presenting as firm, non-tender masses. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Head and Neck, pp. 751-755.
Question 3: Frey's syndrome occurs due to aberrant misdirection of fibers from salivary glands to sweat glands. These fibers come from which of the following?
- A. Facial
- B. Glossopharyngeal (Correct Answer)
- C. Trigeminal
- D. Vagus
Explanation: ***Glossopharyngeal*** - Frey's syndrome (auriculotemporal syndrome) is caused by injury to the **auriculotemporal nerve**, a branch of the **mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve**, which carries postganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the **otic ganglion** that originated in the glossopharyngeal nerve. - These parasympathetic fibers, normally destined for the **parotid gland** to stimulate salivation, aberrantly regenerate and innervate sweat glands and blood vessels in the skin over the parotid region, leading to sweating and flushing upon mastication. *Facial* - The facial nerve primarily controls **muscles of facial expression**, taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and parasympathetic innervation of the **submandibular** and **sublingual glands**, and lacrimal gland. - While it has some parasympathetic function, its fibers are not involved in innervating the parotid gland or the aberrant sweating seen in Frey's syndrome. *Trigeminal* - The trigeminal nerve is responsible for general sensation in the face and mastication, but its fibers are **not the source of the parasympathetic neurons** causing Frey's syndrome. - The auriculotemporal nerve, a branch of the trigeminal's mandibular division, *carries* these aberrant fibers, but they originate from the glossopharyngeal nerve. *Vagus* - The vagus nerve supplies efferent parasympathetic innervation to many organs in the thorax and abdomen, and sensory innervation for the pharynx, larynx, and taste from the epiglottis. - It plays no role in the innervation of the salivary glands relevant to Frey's syndrome or in the aberrant sweating mechanism.
Question 4: Which of the following structures is not found in the parotid gland?
- A. Buccal branch of mandibular nerve (Correct Answer)
- B. Facial nerve
- C. ECA
- D. Auriculotemporal nerve
Explanation: ***Buccal branch of mandibular nerve*** - The **buccal branch of the mandibular nerve (V3)** is not found within the parotid gland. It innervates the buccinator muscle and provides sensory innervation to the buccal mucosa. - The facial nerve, after exiting the stylomastoid foramen, branches within the parotid gland, but the *mandibular nerve* and its branches are distinct structures. *ECA* - The **external carotid artery (ECA)** runs *through* the parotid gland before dividing into its terminal branches, the superficial temporal and maxillary arteries. - This is a major landmark for surgeons operating on the parotid gland. *Facial nerve* - The **facial nerve (cranial nerve VII)** enters the parotid gland and then divides into its five terminal branches (temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, cervical) *within* the gland. - These branches are responsible for innervating the muscles of facial expression. *Auriculotemporal nerve* - The **auriculotemporal nerve**, a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3), travels *through* the parotid gland. - It carries postganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion to the parotid gland, providing secretomotor innervation.
Question 5: A 26-year-old male presents to the outpatient department with a discrete thyroid swelling. On neck ultrasound, an isolated cystic swelling of the gland is seen. What is the risk of malignancy associated with this finding?
- A. 48%
- B. 12%
- C. 24%
- D. 3% (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***3%*** - **Purely cystic thyroid nodules** (as described in this case with "isolated cystic swelling") have a **very low risk of malignancy**, typically **2-3%** or less. - According to **ATA guidelines** and **TIRADS classification**, purely cystic nodules are considered **low suspicion** lesions. - The cystic nature suggests a **benign process** such as a degenerated adenoma, colloid cyst, or simple cyst. - **Fine needle aspiration (FNA)** may still be considered if the nodule is >2 cm or has any suspicious solid components, but is often not required for purely cystic lesions. *48%* - This percentage is **significantly higher** than the actual malignancy risk for a purely cystic thyroid swelling. - Such a **high risk** would typically be associated with **solid nodules** exhibiting highly suspicious ultrasound features such as: - Microcalcifications - Irregular or spiculated margins - Taller-than-wide shape - Marked hypoechogenicity - Extrathyroidal extension *24%* - This percentage represents a **moderate to high risk** of malignancy, which is **not characteristic** of an isolated purely cystic thyroid swelling. - A risk in this range might be seen with: - **Mixed solid-cystic nodules** with predominantly solid components - Solid nodules with **intermediate suspicious features** on ultrasound *12%* - While lower than 24% or 48%, 12% is still **considerably higher** than the generally accepted malignancy risk for purely cystic thyroid nodules. - This risk level could be plausible for: - **Predominantly cystic nodules** with some eccentric solid components - Solid nodules with **mildly suspicious** features on ultrasound
Question 6: What is the most likely diagnosis for the parotid mass with mixed consistency shown in the image?
- A. Pleomorphic adenoma (Correct Answer)
- B. Sebaceous cyst
- C. Dermoid cyst
- D. None of the options
Explanation: ***Pleomorphic adenoma*** - The **mixed consistency** of the parotid mass indicates a **benign tumor**, predominantly of epithelial and mesenchymal origin, typical of pleomorphic adenomas. - This type of tumor is usually **pain-free** and can exhibit a **soft** and **firm** texture on examination [1]. *Sebaceous cyst* - Typically presents as a **smooth, fluctuant nodule** and usually has a **firm consistency** rather than mixed. - Generally not seen as a parotid mass; usually found on the skin in areas with sebaceous glands. *Dermoid cyst* - Generally presents as a **well-defined, soft, and mobile mass**, not commonly associated with mixed consistency. - Often contains **keratin** and has a more homogenous consistency rather than the mixed characteristics of pleomorphic adenoma. *All* - As not all options are suitable for the description of a **mixed consistency parotid mass**, this option is incorrect. - Only **pleomorphic adenoma** aligns with the specific clinical presentation detailed in the question [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Head and Neck, pp. 751-753.
Question 7: Statement 1 - A 59-year-old patient presents with flaccid bullae. Histopathology shows a suprabasal acantholytic split. Statement 2 - The row of tombstones appearance is diagnostic of Pemphigus vulgaris.
- A. Statements 1 & 2 are correct, 2 is not explaining 1 (Correct Answer)
- B. Statements 1 and 2 are correct and 2 is the correct explanation for 1
- C. Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect
- D. Statement 1 is incorrect
Explanation: ***Correct: Statements 1 & 2 are correct, 2 is not explaining 1*** **Analysis of Statement 1:** - A 59-year-old patient with **flaccid bullae** and **suprabasal acantholytic split** on histopathology is the classic presentation of **Pemphigus vulgaris** - The flaccid (easily ruptured) nature of bullae distinguishes it from tense bullae seen in bullous pemphigoid - The suprabasal location of the split (just above the basal layer) with acantholysis (loss of cell-to-cell adhesion) is pathognomonic - **Statement 1 is CORRECT** ✓ **Analysis of Statement 2:** - The **"row of tombstones" or "tombstone appearance"** is indeed a diagnostic histopathological feature of Pemphigus vulgaris - This appearance results from basal keratinocytes remaining attached to the basement membrane while suprabasal cells separate due to acantholysis - The intact basal cells standing upright resemble a row of tombstones - **Statement 2 is CORRECT** ✓ **Does Statement 2 explain Statement 1?** - Statement 2 describes a **histopathological appearance** (tombstone pattern) that is a **consequence** of the suprabasal split - However, it does NOT explain the **underlying cause** of the flaccid bullae or the suprabasal split - The true explanation involves **IgG autoantibodies against desmoglein 3 (and desmoglein 1)**, which attack intercellular adhesion structures (desmosomes), causing **acantholysis** - Therefore, **Statement 2 does NOT explain Statement 1** ✗ *Incorrect: Statement 2 is the correct explanation for Statement 1* - While both statements describe features of Pemphigus vulgaris, the tombstone appearance is a descriptive finding, not an explanatory mechanism *Incorrect: Statements 1 and 2 are incorrect* - Both statements are medically accurate descriptions of Pemphigus vulgaris features *Incorrect: Statement 1 is incorrect* - Statement 1 correctly describes the cardinal clinical and histopathological features of Pemphigus vulgaris
Question 8: What is the most common malignant tumor of the parotid gland?
- A. Oncocytoma
- B. Adenoid cystic carcinoma
- C. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (Correct Answer)
- D. Warthin's tumor
Explanation: ***Mucoepidermoid carcinoma*** - This is the **most common malignant tumor** of the **major and minor salivary glands**, including the parotid gland [1]. - It arises from **ductal and myoepithelial cells** and presents with a wide range of histological grades (low, intermediate, high). *Oncocytoma* - This is a **rare, benign tumor** composed of oncocytes, which are large epithelial cells with abundant granular eosinophilic cytoplasm. - It is **not malignant** and does not represent the most common parotid malignancy. *Warthin's tumor* - Also known as papillary cystadenoma lymphomatosum, this is the **second most common benign parotid tumor** [1] after pleomorphic adenoma. - It is **benign** and primarily affects older men, often smokers. *Adenoid cystic carcinoma* - While a **malignant tumor**, it is **less common** than mucoepidermoid carcinoma in the parotid gland [1]. - It is known for its characteristic **perineural invasion** and a high propensity for distant metastases, even years after resection [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Head and Neck, pp. 753-755.
Question 9: Frey's syndrome occurs due to aberrant regeneration of parasympathetic nerve fibers following parotid surgery, leading to gustatory sweating. The nerve directly involved in this aberrant reinnervation is:
- A. Trigeminal nerve
- B. Facial nerve
- C. GlossoPharyngeal nerve
- D. Auriculotemporal nerve (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Auriculotemporal nerve*** - Frey's syndrome, or **gustatory sweating**, occurs due to damage to the **auriculotemporal nerve**, typically during parotidectomy. - Aberrant regeneration leads to misdirection of parasympathetic fibers meant for the parotid gland to the sweat glands in the preauricular and temporal regions. *Trigeminal nerve* - The trigeminal nerve (CN V) is primarily responsible for **sensory innervation of the face** and **motor innervation of the muscles of mastication**. - It does not directly provide secretomotor innervation to the parotid gland or sweat glands. *Facial nerve* - The facial nerve (CN VII) innervates the **muscles of facial expression** and provides taste sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and secretomotor innervation to the submandibular and sublingual glands. - While it passes through the parotid gland, it does not provide secretomotor innervation to the parotid gland itself. *GlossoPharyngeal nerve* - The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) provides presynaptic parasympathetic fibers to the **otic ganglion**, which then synapse with postsynaptic fibers carried by the auriculotemporal nerve to the parotid gland. - Although it is the origin of the parasympathetic innervation for the parotid, the direct aberrant reinnervation in Frey's syndrome involves the auriculotemporal nerve, not the glossopharyngeal nerve itself.
Question 10: Ptyalin is secreted by?
- A. Gastric gland
- B. Salivary gland (Correct Answer)
- C. Duodenal gland
- D. Pancreatic gland
Explanation: ***Salivary gland*** - **Ptyalin**, also known as **salivary amylase**, is an enzyme produced by the salivary glands. - Its primary role is to initiate the **digestion of carbohydrates** (starches) in the mouth. *Gastric gland* - Gastric glands primarily secrete **hydrochloric acid** and **pepsinogen**, involved in protein digestion. - They do not produce ptyalin or enzymes for carbohydrate digestion. *Duodenal gland* - Duodenal glands (Brunner's glands) secrete alkaline mucus to protect the duodenum from acidic chyme. - They are not involved in the production of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes like ptyalin. *Pancreatic gland* - The pancreas produces **pancreatic amylase**, which continues starch digestion in the small intestine. - While it secretes an amylase, it is distinct from salivary amylase (ptyalin) and released into the duodenum, not the mouth.
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