Answer and Discussion of Quiz Set: K-001

3.    Which of the following cells can be mistaken as giant cells or neoplastic giant cells in myelolipoma?

A.  Myeloid cells.

B.  Erythroid precursor cells.

C.  Megakaryocytes.

D.  Lymphocytes.

E.  Neutrophils.

Answer and Discussion: The answer is (C). While myeloid and erythroid precursor cells can mimic neoplastic cells becaure of their immature appearance, megakarocytes are big and typically in the range of 20-150 μm in diameter. They have multiple interconnected nuclear lobes that may simulate giant cells. In contrast, giant cells or neoplastic giant cells are variable in size and the nuclei are discrete and not interconnected. The interconnect nuclear lobes tend to stay as one clump. The nuclei of neoplastic giant cells are usually atypical and may containt giant nucleoli. Megakaryocytes also have substnatial amount of cytoplasm.