General Pathology Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following is a benign tumor composed of fibrous and glandular tissue?

Fibroadenoma. **Explanation:** **Correct Answer: B. Fibroadenoma** A **Fibroadenoma** is a common benign tumor, most frequently occurring in the female breast [1]. The name itself reveals its composition: **"Fibro-"** refers to the proliferation of the fibrous stroma (connective tissue), and **"-adenoma"** refers to the proliferation of glandular (epithelial) elements. It is considered a biphasic tumor because it involves both epithelial and mesenchymal components. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A. Neurofibroma:** This is a benign nerve sheath tumor composed of a mixture of Schwann cells, perineurial cells, and fibroblasts. It does not contain glandular tissue. * **C. Fibrolipoma:** This is a histological variant of a lipoma. It consists of mature adipose (fat) tissue interspersed with significant bundles of fibrous connective tissue, but lacks a glandular component. * **D. Fibromyoma:** Also known as a **Leiomyoma** (commonly "fibroids" in the uterus), this tumor is composed of smooth muscle cells and varying amounts of fibrous connective tissue. It does not contain glands. **High-Yield NEET-PG Pearls:** * **Clinical Presentation:** Fibroadenomas are often called the **"Breast Mouse"** because they are highly mobile, firm, and non-tender [1]. * **Hormonal Influence:** They are estrogen-sensitive; they may enlarge during pregnancy/menstrual cycles and typically regress after menopause [1]. * **Histology:** Look for two patterns—**Intracanalicular** (stroma compresses ducts into slits) and **Pericanalicular** (stroma surrounds patent, round ducts) [1]. * **Popcorn Calcification:** On mammography, involuting fibroadenomas in older women often show characteristic "popcorn-like" calcifications [1]. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Liver And Biliary System Disease, pp. 448-449.

Q: Which of the following is a special stain used to diagnose fungal hyphae in tissues?

Methenamine silver. **Explanation:** **1. Why Methenamine Silver (GMS) is correct:** Gomori Methenamine Silver (GMS) is the gold standard special stain for identifying fungal organisms in tissue sections [1]. The underlying principle is an **oxidation-reduction reaction**: chromic acid oxidizes the polysaccharides (glucans) in the fungal cell wall to form aldehydes. These aldehydes then reduce the silver nitrate in the methenamine silver solution to metallic silver, staining the fungal hyphae and spores **black** against a green background [1]. It is highly sensitive for *Candida, Aspergillus, and Pneumocystis jirovecii*. **2. Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Masson Trichrome:** Used primarily to differentiate between **collagen (blue/green)** and smooth muscle (red). It is the stain of choice for diagnosing liver cirrhosis (fibrosis). * **Congo Red:** Specifically used to identify **Amyloid** deposits. Under polarized light, it exhibits a characteristic "apple-green birefringence." * **Alcian Blue:** Used to detect **acidic mucopolysaccharides** (mucin). It is commonly used to diagnose Barrett's esophagus (staining goblet cells) and certain types of mesotheliomas. **3. NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **PAS (Periodic Acid-Schiff):** Another common stain for fungi; it stains the cell walls **magenta/bright pink** [1]. * **Mucicarmine:** Specifically used to identify the capsule of ***Cryptococcus neoformans*** (stains it bright red) [1]. * **India Ink:** Used for rapid identification of *Cryptococcus* in CSF (negative staining). * **Oil Red O / Sudan Black:** Used for staining **lipids/fats** (requires frozen sections). **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Infectious Diseases, pp. 362, 393-394.

Question 1

What is the most important source of histamine?

Accepted Answer

Mast cells

Answer

Eosinophils

Answer

Neutrophils

Answer

Macrophages

Question 2

Which of the following is a benign tumor composed of fibrous and glandular tissue?

Accepted Answer

Fibroadenoma

Answer

Neurofibroma

Answer

Fibrolipoma

Answer

Fibromyoma

Question 3

Which of the following is a special stain used to diagnose fungal hyphae in tissues?

Accepted Answer

Methenamine silver

Answer

Masson Trichrome

Answer

Congo red

Answer

Alcian blue

Question 4

All of the following are true about white infarcts except?

Accepted Answer

Edema is present

Answer

Occurs in organs with end arterial supply

Answer

Well defined margins

Answer

Coagulative necrosis

Question 5

Psammoma bodies may be seen in all of the following conditions, except:

Accepted Answer

Follicular carcinoma of the thyroid

Answer

Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid

Answer

Meningioma

Answer

Serous cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary

Question 6

Rubor in inflammation is due to?

Accepted Answer

Dilation of arterioles

Answer

Increased vascular permeability

Answer

Increased viscosity of blood

Answer

Edema

Question 7

Which of the following cytokines acts as a specific hematopoietic growth factor of eosinophils?

Accepted Answer

IL 5

Answer

IL 2

Answer

IL 4

Answer

M CSF

Question 8

Coagulative necrosis is seen in which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Tuberculosis

Answer

Fungal infection

Answer

Sarcoidosis

Answer

Wet gangrene

Question 9

C-reactive protein is synthesized exclusively in:

Accepted Answer

Liver

Answer

Kidney

Answer

Pancreas

Answer

Thymus

Question 10

The skin pigmentation in bronze diabetes is due to?

Accepted Answer

Both melanin and hemosiderin

Answer

Bronze diabetes

Answer

Lipofuscin

Answer

Melanin

General Pathology — MCQs

General Pathology — MCQs

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