Neuropathology: brain tumours: 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 · Neuropathology: brain tumours

Sample item

An elderly man has a ring-enhancing, butterfly-pattern lesion crossing the corpus callosum. Histology shows pleomorphic astrocytes, necrosis surrounded by palisading tumour cells and microvascular proliferation. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (IDH-wildtype, WHO grade 4) shows serpiginous necrosis with pseudopalisading and endothelial proliferation. The butterfly appearance results from spread across the corpus callosum, and the prognosis is poor.

Option by option

  • A. Pilocytic astrocytoma

    Pilocytic astrocytoma is seen in children, with Rosenthal fibres and a cystic cerebellar lesion.

  • B. Glioblastoma (correct)

    Correct. Palisading necrosis and vascular proliferation define it.

  • C. Oligodendroglioma

    Oligodendroglioma has fried-egg cells and calcification with chicken-wire vessels.

  • D. Meningioma

    Meningioma is an extra-axial tumour with whorls and psammoma bodies.

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.

More Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is B, Glioblastoma. Glioblastoma (IDH-wildtype, WHO grade 4) shows serpiginous necrosis with pseudopalisading and endothelial proliferation.

Why is "Pilocytic astrocytoma" not the answer?

Pilocytic astrocytoma is seen in children, with Rosenthal fibres and a cystic cerebellar lesion.

Why is "Oligodendroglioma" not the answer?

Oligodendroglioma has fried-egg cells and calcification with chicken-wire vessels.

Why is "Meningioma" not the answer?

Meningioma is an extra-axial tumour with whorls and psammoma bodies.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuropathology: brain tumours in Pathology. The butterfly appearance results from spread across the corpus callosum, and the prognosis is poor.

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 Neuropathology: brain tumours?

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.