PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What is the classic appearance of small cell lung carcinoma?

1. Large cell appearance

2. Oat cell appearance

3. Cavitary lesions

4. Solitary pulmonary nodules

The correct answer is: Oat cell appearance

Small cell lung carcinoma is characterized by its distinct histological appearance, often described as "oat cell carcinoma." This term refers to the small, oval-shaped cells that resemble oats when viewed under a microscope. These cells tend to be densely packed and can appear in sheets, which contributes to their aggressive nature. This histological feature is a hallmark of small cell lung carcinoma and differentiates it from other types of lung cancer, which may exhibit different cellular sizes and arrangements. The other answer choices do not accurately reflect the classic presentation of small cell lung carcinoma. For example, large cell carcinoma is characterized by larger cells and a different growth pattern. Cavitary lesions are more commonly associated with conditions like tuberculosis or certain types of adenocarcinomas rather than small cell lung carcinoma. Solitary pulmonary nodules could represent a variety of lung lesions, including benign tumors, other types of lung carcinomas, or metastatic disease, but they do not specifically indicate the classic appearance associated with small cell lung carcinoma. Hence, the "oat cell appearance" is a defining characteristic of this aggressive cancer type.