Oral pathology: odontogenic myxoma: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Oral pathology: odontogenic myxoma

Sample item

A radiograph of a 25-year-old shows a multilocular radiolucency in the mandible with fine straight septa at right angles, resembling a tennis racket. Histology would show what?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Stellate and spindle cells in an abundant myxoid stroma

Odontogenic myxoma is a benign locally infiltrative tumour of ectomesenchymal origin. It shows loosely arranged stellate and spindle cells in a mucoid matrix and gives a tennis racket or honeycomb picture.

Option by option

  • A. Ghost cells with calcification

    Ghost cells are seen in the calcifying odontogenic cyst.

  • B. Liesegang ring calcifications

    Liesegang rings belong to the calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour.

  • C. Stellate and spindle cells in an abundant myxoid stroma (correct)

    Correct. Myxoid stroma with stellate cells characterises odontogenic myxoma.

  • D. Palisaded ameloblast-like cells with reverse polarity

    Reverse polarity palisading is typical of ameloblastoma.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is C, Stellate and spindle cells in an abundant myxoid stroma. Odontogenic myxoma is a benign locally infiltrative tumour of ectomesenchymal origin.

Why is "Ghost cells with calcification" not the answer?

Ghost cells are seen in the calcifying odontogenic cyst.

Why is "Liesegang ring calcifications" not the answer?

Liesegang rings belong to the calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour.

Why is "Palisaded ameloblast-like cells with reverse polarity" not the answer?

Reverse polarity palisading is typical of ameloblastoma.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral pathology: odontogenic myxoma in Dentistry. It shows loosely arranged stellate and spindle cells in a mucoid matrix and gives a tennis racket or honeycomb picture.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oral pathology: odontogenic myxoma?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.