Papillary thyroid carcinoma shows characteristic nuclear features that include all of the following EXCEPT:
- A Macronucleoli and prominent nucleoli with brisk mitosis ✓
- B Nuclear pseudoinclusions (cytoplasmic invaginations into nucleus)
- C Nuclear grooves (longitudinal grooves in nuclear envelope)
- D Orphan Annie eye nuclei (clear, empty-appearing nuclei)
Correct answer: A. Macronucleoli and prominent nucleoli with brisk mitosis
Explanation
Papillary thyroid carcinoma has distinctive nuclear changes: ground-glass (Orphan Annie) nuclei due to chromatin clearing, longitudinal nuclear grooves, and pseudoinclusions (cytoplasmic invaginations). Mitoses are characteristically sparse. Prominent nucleoli and brisk mitotic activity are features of anaplastic (undifferentiated) thyroid carcinoma or other aggressive tumors, not PTC.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.