Urology: histology of seminoma: practice question

A General Surgery 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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General Surgery · Urology: histology of seminoma

Sample item

A 33-year-old man has a painless testicular mass. After orchidectomy, histology shows sheets of uniform polygonal cells with clear cytoplasm separated by fibrous septa infiltrated by lymphocytes. Serum AFP is normal. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Seminoma

Seminoma shows uniform cells with clear cytoplasm in sheets, fibrous septa with lymphocytes, and a normal AFP. It is very radiosensitive and has an excellent cure rate. A raised AFP indicates a non-seminomatous component such as yolk sac tumour.

Option by option

  • A. Embryonal carcinoma

    Embryonal carcinoma shows pleomorphic cells in glands and papillae with necrosis.

  • B. Yolk sac tumour

    Yolk sac tumour shows Schiller-Duval bodies and is associated with a raised AFP.

  • C. Mature teratoma

    Mature teratoma contains differentiated tissues from more than one germ layer.

  • D. Seminoma (correct)

    Correct. Uniform clear cells in sheets with lymphocytic septa and normal AFP are typical of seminoma.

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 General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is D, Seminoma. Seminoma shows uniform cells with clear cytoplasm in sheets, fibrous septa with lymphocytes, and a normal AFP.

Why is "Embryonal carcinoma" not the answer?

Embryonal carcinoma shows pleomorphic cells in glands and papillae with necrosis.

Why is "Yolk sac tumour" not the answer?

Yolk sac tumour shows Schiller-Duval bodies and is associated with a raised AFP.

Why is "Mature teratoma" not the answer?

Mature teratoma contains differentiated tissues from more than one germ layer.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Urology: histology of seminoma in General Surgery. It is very radiosensitive and has an excellent cure rate. A raised AFP indicates a non-seminomatous component such as yolk sac tumour.

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 Urology: histology of seminoma?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery 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.