The ectopic rest of a normal tissue is called

RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2022

Pathology & Genetics

Easy

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, M.Sc Nursing Entrance Exam-2022

Explanation

A choristoma is the precise medical term for a collection of normal, well-organized tissue that develops in an abnormal anatomical location.
The keyword is 'ectopic,' which means 'in an abnormal place or position.' Choristoma directly corresponds to this definition.
It is also referred to as a heterotopic rest of tissue.
Although the suffix '-oma' is used, a choristoma is a developmental malformation, not a true tumor (neoplasm).

Option A: A hamartoma is a disorganized mass of tissues that are native to the location where the growth occurs. The key difference is that the tissue in a hamartoma belongs in that organ, but is just jumbled, whereas in a choristoma, the tissue itself is foreign to that location.
Option C: A teratoma is a true tumor composed of tissues from multiple germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm). It is not simply a 'rest' of normal tissue but a complex neoplasm that can contain various structures like hair, teeth, or bone.
Option D: A sarcoma is a malignant cancer arising from mesenchymal (connective) tissues such as bone, muscle, fat, or cartilage. It is a life-threatening malignancy, not a benign rest of normal tissue.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pathological Terminology for Tissue Abnormalities as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Accurate identification is vital for diagnosis and treatment planning. A choristoma is typically benign and may require no intervention unless it causes symptoms due to its location (e.g., obstruction).
Distinguishing a benign finding like a choristoma from a malignant tumor like a sarcoma is critical for patient prognosis and avoids unnecessary aggressive treatment.
What if? If a patient has a small nodule in their stomach wall found during endoscopy, and a biopsy reveals normal pancreatic tissue, the diagnosis is choristoma. The management would be observation. If the biopsy showed adenocarcinoma, the diagnosis would be stomach cancer, requiring major surgery and chemotherapy.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question stem: 'ectopic rest' and 'normal tissue'.
'Ectopic' means in an abnormal place. 'Rest' implies a small, misplaced collection.
Evaluate each option based on its precise pathological definition.
Hamartoma: Disorganized but native tissue. Incorrect, as the question specifies 'ectopic'.
Choristoma: Normal tissue in an ectopic location. This perfectly matches the question's keywords.
Teratoma: Tumor from multiple germ layers. Incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed pp. 480-482, 276-278

E6 PATHOLOGY QUICK REVIEWBased on Harsh Mohan Textbook of PATHOLOGY p. 56-58