Question

Keratinization and pearl formation is characteristic of -

• A. Squamous cell carcinoma
• B. Basal cell carcinoma
• C. Melanoma
• D. Lymphoma

Hint:

Keratin pearls signal a keratin-producing squamous epithelial tumor.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Link the clue to the tumor. Keratin (squamous) pearls are concentric whorls of keratinizing cells. Their presence indicates that the tumor cells are producing keratin, which is a property of squamous epithelium.

Step 2: Histology. Squamous cell carcinoma is characterized histologically by keratinization, the formation of squamous (keratin) pearls and the presence of intercellular bridges. Keratinization may appear as pearls or as individual cells with markedly eosinophilic, dense cytoplasm. So option a is correct.

Step 3: Why the others are wrong. Basal cell carcinoma shows basaloid cells with peripheral palisading and retraction artifact, not keratin pearls. Melanoma shows pigmented atypical melanocytes, and lymphoma is a tumor of lymphoid cells; none of these form keratin pearls.

Step 4: Conclusion. Keratin pearl formation is the hallmark of well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, so squamous cell carcinoma is the answer.