SBA — Single Best Answer · Review
Question 368
Pathology → General
Classification
Question
SSBAQuestion Header
Histological examination of an epithelium demonstrates abnormal maturation. Which combination of microscopic findings most strongly supports dysplasia rather than metaplasia?
Question Stem
Select the single best answer.
Options
A
Mature differentiated cells with preserved polarity and no nuclear atypia
B
Replacement by another normal mature differentiated cell type
C
Pleomorphism, loss of polarity and increased mitotic activity
D
Uniform cells with a reduced nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio
E
Increased cell size without any change in cell number
Explanation
Dysplasia is abnormal cellular maturation and is characterised by disordered cellular development, including loss of polarity, pleomorphism, an increased nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio and increased mitotic activity. These features distinguish it from mature metaplastic change.
Option Validity
A) Mature cells with preserved polarity and no atypia do not demonstrate the disordered maturation of dysplasia.
B) Reversible replacement by another mature differentiated cell type describes metaplasia.
D) Dysplasia is associated with an increased, not reduced, nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio and cellular atypia.
E) Increased cell size without an increase in number defines hypertrophy.
Further Reading
Saxena R. Textbook for MRCOG-1. Chapter 5: Pathology. General Pathology, pp.161–175.