Prostate pathology: benign hyperplasia: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Prostate pathology: benign hyperplasia

Sample item

A 68-year-old man has nocturia and a weak urinary stream. Digital rectal examination shows a smooth, symmetrically enlarged firm gland. In which zone does the nodular hyperplasia responsible for his symptoms arise?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Transition zone around the urethra

Benign prostatic hyperplasia arises in the periurethral transition zone, where dihydrotestosterone formed by 5-alpha reductase type 2 drives glandular and stromal proliferation. The nodules compress the prostatic urethra and cause obstructive symptoms. Carcinoma, in contrast, usually arises in the peripheral zone and is palpable posteriorly.

Option by option

  • A. Peripheral zone

    The peripheral zone is the usual origin of prostate carcinoma.

  • B. Central zone

    The central zone surrounds the ejaculatory ducts and is rarely the site of hyperplasia.

  • C. Anterior fibromuscular stroma

    The anterior fibromuscular stroma contains no glands.

  • D. Transition zone around the urethra (correct)

    Correct. Transition zone nodules compress the urethra early.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is D, Transition zone around the urethra. Benign prostatic hyperplasia arises in the periurethral transition zone, where dihydrotestosterone formed by 5-alpha reductase type 2 drives glandular and stromal proliferation.

Why is "Peripheral zone" not the answer?

The peripheral zone is the usual origin of prostate carcinoma.

Why is "Central zone" not the answer?

The central zone surrounds the ejaculatory ducts and is rarely the site of hyperplasia.

Why is "Anterior fibromuscular stroma" not the answer?

The anterior fibromuscular stroma contains no glands.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Prostate pathology: benign hyperplasia in Pathology. The nodules compress the prostatic urethra and cause obstructive symptoms. Carcinoma, in contrast, usually arises in the peripheral zone and is palpable posteriorly.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Prostate pathology: benign hyperplasia?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.