Psammoma bodies in a thyroid lesion or the adjacent metastatic lymph nodes increase the possibility of
**Core Concept**
The presence of psammoma bodies in thyroid lesions is a histopathological feature that can aid in diagnosis. **Psammoma bodies** are concentric, lamellated calcifications that are a hallmark of certain thyroid cancers. They are associated with **papillary thyroid carcinoma**, a type of thyroid malignancy.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Psammoma bodies are characteristic of **papillary thyroid carcinoma**, which is the most common type of thyroid cancer. The presence of these bodies in a thyroid lesion or in metastatic lymph nodes suggests that the primary cancer is likely **papillary thyroid carcinoma**. This cancer tends to spread to lymph nodes, and the presence of psammoma bodies in these nodes can help confirm the diagnosis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because while **medullary thyroid carcinoma** does have distinctive histological features, psammoma bodies are not typically associated with this type of cancer.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because **follicular thyroid carcinoma** does not typically contain psammoma bodies.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because **anaplastic thyroid carcinoma** is a highly aggressive cancer that does not typically present with psammoma bodies.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The presence of psammoma bodies is a diagnostic clue for **papillary thyroid carcinoma**. Recognizing these bodies in histological specimens can significantly aid in the diagnosis of this cancer.
**Correct Answer:** D. Papillary thyroid carcinoma.