Bone tumours: 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 · Bone tumours

Sample item

A 15-year-old boy has knee pain and a firm mass at the distal femur. Radiograph shows a destructive metaphyseal lesion with a sunburst periosteal reaction and Codman triangle. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the commonest primary malignant bone tumour in adolescents and arises in the metaphysis around the knee. Tumour cells produce osteoid, and elevation of the periosteum gives the Codman triangle and sunburst pattern.

Option by option

  • A. Giant cell tumour

    Giant cell tumour occurs in young adults and is epiphyseal with a soap-bubble lytic look.

  • B. Osteosarcoma (correct)

    Matches the age, metaphyseal site around the knee and the sunburst and Codman triangle appearance.

  • C. Osteochondroma

    Osteochondroma is a benign cartilage-capped outgrowth and does not destroy bone.

  • D. Ewing sarcoma

    Ewing sarcoma favours the diaphysis and gives an onion-skin periosteal reaction.

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 B, Osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is the commonest primary malignant bone tumour in adolescents and arises in the metaphysis around the knee.

Why is "Giant cell tumour" not the answer?

Giant cell tumour occurs in young adults and is epiphyseal with a soap-bubble lytic look.

Why is "Osteochondroma" not the answer?

Osteochondroma is a benign cartilage-capped outgrowth and does not destroy bone.

Why is "Ewing sarcoma" not the answer?

Ewing sarcoma favours the diaphysis and gives an onion-skin periosteal reaction.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Bone tumours in Pathology. Tumour cells produce osteoid, and elevation of the periosteum gives the Codman triangle and sunburst pattern.

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 Bone tumours?

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.