Which microscopic structure is considered pathognomonic of a yolk sac (endodermal sinus) tumour of the ovary?
- A Schiller-Duval body ✓
- B Call-Exner body
- C Psammoma body
- D Hyaline globules only, without any specific pattern
Correct answer: A. Schiller-Duval body
Explanation
Schiller-Duval bodies, a central vessel enveloped by tumour cells within a space resembling a glomerulus, are pathognomonic of yolk sac tumour and are present in roughly half of cases. Hyaline globules positive for AFP support the diagnosis but are also seen elsewhere, so they alone are not pathognomonic. Call-Exner bodies belong to granulosa cell tumour and psammoma bodies to serous carcinoma.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.