Histopathological examination of a convexity dural-based tumour removed at craniotomy reveals concentric whorls of spindle cells and numerous laminated calcospherites. Which structure gives this appearance and is diagnostic of the tumour?
- A Psammoma bodies ✓
- B Rosenthal fibres
- C Verocay bodies
- D Homer Wright rosettes
Correct answer: A. Psammoma bodies
Explanation
Meningioma shows whorled nests of meningothelial cells and psammoma bodies, which are concentric lamellated calcifications formed by degeneration of the whorl centres. Rosenthal fibres are eosinophilic corkscrew fibres seen in pilocytic astrocytoma. Verocay bodies, nuclear palisades surrounding anuclear zones, define schwannoma. Homer Wright rosettes, rings of cells around neuropil, occur in medulloblastoma and neuroblastoma. Recognising these signatures separates the three most common extra-axial and posterior fossa adult tumours.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
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