Retinoblastoma: histology: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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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Ophthalmology · Retinoblastoma: histology

Sample item

Which histological finding is most specific for retinoblastoma?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes

Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes are highly specific for retinoblastoma, with fleurettes showing photoreceptor differentiation. Homer-Wright rosettes are non-specific and appear in other neuroblastic tumours.

Option by option

  • A. Homer-Wright rosettes alone

    Homer-Wright rosettes also occur in neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma.

  • B. Verocay bodies

    Verocay bodies occur in schwannoma.

  • C. Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes (correct)

    Correct. They are the specific rosettes.

  • D. Psammoma bodies

    Psammoma bodies occur in meningioma and papillary tumours.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is C, Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes. Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes are highly specific for retinoblastoma, with fleurettes showing photoreceptor differentiation.

Why is "Homer-Wright rosettes alone" not the answer?

Homer-Wright rosettes also occur in neuroblastoma and medulloblastoma.

Why is "Verocay bodies" not the answer?

Verocay bodies occur in schwannoma.

Why is "Psammoma bodies" not the answer?

Psammoma bodies occur in meningioma and papillary tumours.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Retinoblastoma: histology in Ophthalmology. Homer-Wright rosettes are non-specific and appear in other neuroblastic tumours.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Retinoblastoma: histology?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.