Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

NeuroTest Sample Question #51 Next question Previous question

Answer: C (Metastatic melanoma and Meningioma) Level of difficulty: 3 NeuroTest NeuroLearn NeuroHelp

Discussion: 

• Pathology of the case: Malignant melanoma often have pseudonuclear inclusions (Þ) as well as prominent nucleoli and pleomorphic nuclei. In this specimen, the nuclei is not as high grade. The nucleoli is prominent but not eosinophilic, a feature that is often found in metastatic malignant melanoma.
• Astrocytom and medulloblastoma: The cells being shown here do not have the fine thread-like elongated cytoplasmic process that are typically seen in glial tumor. The prominent nucleoli and the medium volume of cytoplasm make the diagnosis of medulloblastoma unlikely. Pseudoinclusion and prominent are not usually seen in astrocytoma and medulloblastoma. [click here to see a cytologic preparation of medulloblastoma]
• Meningioma: Pseudonuclear inclusion as illustrated here is a common feature in meningioma. The granular type of cytoplasm also go along with meningioma. The prominent nucleoli is prominent. Although nucleoli can be seen in meningioma, the prominent nuclei here raises a suspicion.

Comment: KarMing-Fung@ouhsc.edu