A pathologist examining a tumor specimen notes marked variation in nuclear size and shape, numerous atypical mitoses with tripolar spindles, and loss of cellular polarity. These features collectively define which component of tumor grading?

• A Dysplasia
• B Metaplasia
• C Hyperplasia
• D Anaplasia ✓

Explanation

Anaplasia refers to a loss of differentiation and structural organization in malignant tumors, characterized by pleomorphism, abnormal mitoses, tumor giant cells, and loss of polarity. Dysplasia denotes pre-malignant disordered maturation still confined to epithelium without full anaplastic features. Metaplasia is a reversible change from one differentiated cell type to another, and hyperplasia is an increase in cell number without architectural disorder.

Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.