Neoplasia: dysplasia: practice question

A Pathology 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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Pathology · Neoplasia: dysplasia

Sample item

What is epithelial dysplasia?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Disordered growth with cytologic atypia and loss of normal maturation

Dysplasia is disordered epithelial proliferation with atypia, architectural disturbance, and loss of maturation. It is often premalignant but may be reversible if the inciting insult is removed.

Option by option

  • A. Replacement by another mature cell type

    Replacement by a mature cell type is metaplasia.

  • B. Increase in normal cell size only

    Cell-size increase is hypertrophy.

  • C. Disordered growth with cytologic atypia and loss of normal maturation (correct)

    Correct. Atypical disordered maturation defines dysplasia.

  • D. Metastatic spread to distant organs

    Metastasis is a feature of invasive malignancy.

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.

More Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is C, Disordered growth with cytologic atypia and loss of normal maturation. Dysplasia is disordered epithelial proliferation with atypia, architectural disturbance, and loss of maturation.

Why is "Replacement by another mature cell type" not the answer?

Replacement by a mature cell type is metaplasia.

Why is "Increase in normal cell size only" not the answer?

Cell-size increase is hypertrophy.

Why is "Metastatic spread to distant organs" not the answer?

Metastasis is a feature of invasive malignancy.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neoplasia: dysplasia in Pathology. It is often premalignant but may be reversible if the inciting insult is removed.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. 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 Neoplasia: dysplasia?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology 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.