Screening mammography of a 58-year-old woman reveals a cluster of fine pleomorphic microcalcifications in the right breast with no associated mass. Stereotactic core biopsy confirms high nuclear grade DCIS with comedo necrosis. The microcalcifications in DCIS correspond histologically to which finding?
- A Stromal desmoplasia around infiltrating nests
- B Psammomatous calcification in papillary fronds
- C Calcification of central necrotic debris within ducts ✓
- D Ossification of the basement membrane
Correct answer: C. Calcification of central necrotic debris within ducts
Explanation
In comedo-type DCIS, central necrosis within expanded ducts undergoes dystrophic calcification, producing the linear branching or clustered pleomorphic microcalcifications seen on mammography. This makes mammography the principal detection method since DCIS is usually clinically silent. Desmoplasia characterises invasive carcinoma, psammoma bodies are typical of papillary thyroid and serous ovarian tumours, and basement membrane ossification is not a recognised feature.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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