Which of the following is associated with Orphan Annie eye nuclei?

Prepare for USMLE Step 1 Pathology Exam with comprehensive quizzes, flashcards, and detailed explanations. Enhance your understanding and be exam-ready!

Orphan Annie eye nuclei are characteristic features observed in papillary carcinoma of the thyroid. These nuclei are named for their distinctive appearance, which resembles the eyes of the fictional character Orphan Annie. The appearance is due to the presence of finely dispersed chromatin within the nuclei, creating a clear nuclear appearance with a prominent, well-defined border.

In papillary thyroid carcinoma, the presence of these nuclei is a key histological finding that aids in the diagnosis of this type of cancer. Alongside other features such as psammoma bodies and follicular growth patterns, Orphan Annie eye nuclei help differentiate papillary thyroid carcinoma from other thyroid lesions.

The other conditions listed do not exhibit this specific nuclear morphology as a characteristic finding. For instance, cervical dysplasia involves changes in squamous cells, Parkinson's disease has no relevant nuclear morphology associated with it, and alcoholic liver disease is characterized by hepatic changes and fibrosis but not by unique nuclear features like the Orphan Annie eye nuclei. Hence, the association of these nuclei with papillary carcinoma of the thyroid is crucial for pathologists and clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment planning for patients with thyroid abnormalities.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy