Pathology of the Thyroid Gland - Neoplasms

Question 1

This is the most aggressive variant of papillary carcinoma.

Answer 1

Tall cell variant

Question 2

What hormone is secreted by medullary thyroid carcinoma?

Answer 2

Calcitonin due to C cells

Question 3

This is a type of adenoma containing cells with eosinophilic granular cytoplasm.

Answer 3

Hurthle Cell Adenoma

Question 4

Mutations of these genes are most associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Answer 4

RET/PTC & BRAF

Question 5

What histologic finding is characteristic of papillary thyroid carcinoma?

Answer 5

Orphan Annie Eyes

Psammoma bodies are also present, but not unique to papillary carcinoma

Question 6

True/False. A majority of thyroid nodules are benign.

Answer 6

True.

Nodules that are hard, fixed to surrounding structures, or associated with lymphadenopathy are more likely to be malignant.

Question 7

This variant of papillary carcinoma is most common in younger patients and includes fibrosis and lymphocytic infiltration on histology.

Answer 7

Diffuse sclerosing variant

Question 8

True/False. The presence of a capsule can help to distinguish an adenoma from a carcinoma.

Answer 8

True - carcinomas lack a capsule

Question 9

Most cases of this thyroid cancer have ACAL amyloid found on histology.

Answer 9

Medullary thyroid carcinoma

Question 10

True/False. Benign thyroid nodules are more likely to be cold.

Answer 10

False - they are more likely to be hot since they maintain functional tissue. Neoplastic nodules are typically cold

Question 11

Lymphatic spread of follicular thyroid carcinoma is uncommon. Where does this cancer most often spread?

Answer 11

Lung, bones, or liver

Question 12

This is often the first physical symptom of papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Answer 12

Enlarged cervical lymph node

Question 13

A patient is diagnosed with the most common malignant thyroid cancer. What is the diagnosis and most common cause?

Answer 13

Papillary carcinoma due exposure to ionizing radiation

Question 14

This is a very aggressive thyroid carcinoma often due to p53 inactivation. What risk factors are most associated with the development of this cancer?

Answer 14

Anaplastic carinoma - Type B blood and goiter

Question 15

Mutations in these genes are most associated with follicular thyroid carcinoma.

Answer 15

Gain of function in RAS or PI3K

Loss of function in PTEN