Neoplasia: germ cell tumour markers: 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 · Neoplasia: germ cell tumour markers

Sample item

A 19-year-old woman has a rapidly enlarging ovarian mass and a markedly raised serum alpha-fetoprotein. Histology shows perivascular structures in which a central capillary is surrounded by a tumour-lined space. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Yolk sac tumour

Yolk sac (endodermal sinus) tumour secretes alpha-fetoprotein and shows Schiller-Duval bodies, glomerulus-like structures with a central vessel. It is the commonest testicular germ cell tumour in young children and also occurs in young women in the ovary. It responds well to chemotherapy.

Option by option

  • A. Choriocarcinoma

    Choriocarcinoma consists of cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast and raises beta-hCG.

  • B. Yolk sac tumour (correct)

    Schiller-Duval bodies with raised AFP identify a yolk sac tumour.

  • C. Immature teratoma

    Immature teratoma contains primitive neuroepithelial rosettes and cartilage and lacks Schiller-Duval bodies.

  • D. Dysgerminoma

    Dysgerminoma shows uniform clear cells in sheets with lymphocyte-rich septa and may raise LDH rather than AFP.

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, Yolk sac tumour. Yolk sac (endodermal sinus) tumour secretes alpha-fetoprotein and shows Schiller-Duval bodies, glomerulus-like structures with a central vessel.

Why is "Choriocarcinoma" not the answer?

Choriocarcinoma consists of cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast and raises beta-hCG.

Why is "Immature teratoma" not the answer?

Immature teratoma contains primitive neuroepithelial rosettes and cartilage and lacks Schiller-Duval bodies.

Why is "Dysgerminoma" not the answer?

Dysgerminoma shows uniform clear cells in sheets with lymphocyte-rich septa and may raise LDH rather than AFP.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neoplasia: germ cell tumour markers in Pathology. It is the commonest testicular germ cell tumour in young children and also occurs in young women in the ovary. It responds well to chemotherapy.

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 Neoplasia: germ cell tumour markers?

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.