Breast pathology: 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 · Breast pathology

Sample item

A woman has a persistent scaly, eczema-like lesion of the nipple. Biopsy shows large cells with abundant pale cytoplasm lying singly and in nests within the epidermis. What is usually found in the underlying breast?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive ductal carcinoma

Paget disease of the nipple is caused by malignant ductal cells extending up the lactiferous ducts into the nipple epidermis. Almost all cases have an underlying ductal carcinoma, in situ or invasive.

Option by option

  • A. Intraductal papilloma

    Intraductal papilloma causes nipple discharge but is not associated with Paget cells.

  • B. Ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive ductal carcinoma (correct)

    Paget cells are carcinoma cells that have spread along the ducts to the nipple skin.

  • C. Fat necrosis

    Fat necrosis follows trauma and produces a firm lump, not intraepidermal malignant cells.

  • D. Fibroadenoma

    Fibroadenoma is a benign stromal and epithelial tumour that does not infiltrate the epidermis.

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, Ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive ductal carcinoma. Paget disease of the nipple is caused by malignant ductal cells extending up the lactiferous ducts into the nipple epidermis.

Why is "Intraductal papilloma" not the answer?

Intraductal papilloma causes nipple discharge but is not associated with Paget cells.

Why is "Fat necrosis" not the answer?

Fat necrosis follows trauma and produces a firm lump, not intraepidermal malignant cells.

Why is "Fibroadenoma" not the answer?

Fibroadenoma is a benign stromal and epithelial tumour that does not infiltrate the epidermis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Breast pathology in Pathology. Almost all cases have an underlying ductal carcinoma, in situ or invasive.

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 Breast pathology?

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.