A 22-year-old woman has a rapidly enlarging, painful left ovarian mass. Serum AFP is markedly elevated at 1200 ng/mL. Microscopy shows a reticular pattern with perivascular structures where a central vessel is surrounded by a cuff of tumor cells within a cystic space. Which structure is the diagnostic hallmark of this tumor?
- A Hobnail cells with clear cytoplasm
- B Anaplastic giant cells with bizarre nuclei
- C Schiller-Duval bodies ✓
- D Signet ring cells with mucin
Correct answer: C. Schiller-Duval bodies
Explanation
Ovarian yolk sac tumor (endodermal sinus tumor) is characterized by Schiller-Duval bodies, which are perivascular formations where a central blood vessel is surrounded by a cuff of tumor cells within a cystic space, resembling a glomerulus. It occurs in young women, produces AFP, and grows rapidly. Hobnail cells are seen in clear cell carcinoma, and signet ring cells in Krukenberg tumor (metastatic gastric 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.