The normal tissue present at an ectopic site, which is not a true tumour, is known as:

RRB Nsg. Superintendent - 29 April 2025 (Shift-3rd)

Pathology & Genetics

Easy

Appeared in: RRB Nsg. Superintendent - 29 April 2025 (Shift-3rd)

Explanation

Choristoma is the correct term for a mass of microscopically normal cells or tissues that are present in an abnormal or ectopic location.
It is considered a developmental anomaly, also known as heterotopia, and is not a true neoplasm, despite the '-oma' suffix which typically suggests a tumor.
A classic example is finding a rest of normal pancreatic tissue within the wall of the stomach or small intestine.
The key defining features are normal tissue histology but an abnormal anatomical location.

Option B: A hamartoma is a disorganized mass of tissue that is native (indigenous) to the site where it is found. The tissue is in the correct organ but is arranged in a haphazard way.
Option C: A teratoma is a true neoplasm derived from totipotent germ cells. It is characterized by containing tissues from more than one germ layer (e.g., hair, teeth, bone).
Option D: A chondroma is a benign true neoplasm composed specifically of mature cartilage tissue. It is a tumor, not an ectopic placement of normal tissue.

Visual 1: Comparison Table - A table comparing Choristoma, Hamartoma, and Teratoma based on tissue type (normal vs. disorganized), location (ectopic vs. indigenous), and neoplastic potential. This helps clarify the key distinctions.
Visual 2: Diagram - A simplified diagram showing pancreatic tissue (normal) located ectopically in the stomach wall to illustrate the concept of a choristoma.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Differentiation between developmental anomalies and neoplasms as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
While choristomas are not cancerous, their clinical significance depends on their location and size. They can cause symptoms like bleeding, obstruction, or pain, mimicking other conditions and requiring diagnosis.
Nurses should be aware that a patient with a mass identified as a choristoma on a pathology report has a developmental anomaly, not cancer. This knowledge is crucial for providing accurate patient education and alleviating anxiety.
What if? If the tissue found was disorganized but native to the organ (e.g., a mix of cartilage and bronchial tissue in the lung), the diagnosis would be Hamartoma. This is also a benign malformation, but the terminology is distinct and important for accurate medical records and communication.

How to Approach the Question

First, break down the question stem into its key defining phrases: 1) 'normal tissue', 2) 'ectopic site' (abnormal location), and 3) 'not a true tumour'.
Next, evaluate each option against these three criteria.
Recall the definitions of the terms. The suffix '-oma' often implies a tumor, but recognize that there are exceptions like choristoma and hamartoma, which are developmental malformations.
Choristoma perfectly matches all three criteria: normal tissue in an abnormal place, and it's not a true tumor.
Eliminate Hamartoma because the tissue is at a normal (indigenous) site, although it's disorganized.
Eliminate Teratoma and Chondroma because they are both classified as true neoplasms (tumors).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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