A 45-year-old woman is found to have elevated serum AFP and β-HCG. Imaging reveals a retroperitoneal mass. Biopsy shows primitive cells, syncytiotrophoblasts, and Schiller-Duval bodies. AFP is produced by which cell type in this tumor?
- A Syncytiotrophoblasts
- B Embryonal carcinoma cells
- C Yolk sac (endodermal sinus) elements ✓
- D Choriocarcinoma cells
Correct answer: C. Yolk sac (endodermal sinus) elements
Explanation
The tumor described is a mixed germ cell tumor; the Schiller-Duval bodies (perivascular glomeruloid structures) are pathognomonic of yolk sac tumor (endodermal sinus tumor). AFP is produced exclusively by the yolk sac/endodermal sinus elements, as AFP is normally synthesized by fetal yolk sac and liver. Syncytiotrophoblasts produce β-HCG, embryonal carcinoma does not produce specific markers reliably, and choriocarcinoma produces β-HCG.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.