Histopathology of an ovarian tumour from a 17-year-old girl shows tissue derived from all three germ layers along with foci of primitive neuroectodermal rosettes. The mitotic count within these immature neuroepithelial elements is high. What feature determines the grade and prognosis of this tumour?
- A The proportion of mature cartilage present
- B The amount and mitotic activity of immature neuroepithelial tissue ✓
- C The presence of thyroid tissue within the tumour
- D The size of the cystic component on imaging
Correct answer: B. The amount and mitotic activity of immature neuroepithelial tissue
Explanation
Immature teratomas are graded by the quantity of immature neuroectodermal tissue and its mitotic activity; higher grades carry greater risk of recurrence and spread beyond the ovary. Mature elements such as cartilage or thyroid tissue do not determine grade, and radiological cyst size is irrelevant to histological grading. This grading directly guides adjuvant chemotherapy decisions after fertility-sparing surgery.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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