A 13-Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Clinic Due to Progressive

question 48

Multiple Choice

A 13-year-old boy is brought to the clinic due to progressive difficulty with breathing, hoarseness, and dysphagia.  The symptoms began insidiously 6 months ago but have rapidly become worse in the last 4 weeks.  The patient has no associated skin rash, pharyngeal pain, fever, weight loss, or loss of appetite.  Medical history is unremarkable and the patient takes no medications.  He is up to date on scheduled vaccinations.  The patient's parents and siblings have no history of significant health problems.  Vital signs are normal, and he is at 70th percentile for height and weight.  Oropharyngeal examination reveals a large, red lingual mass.  The patient subsequently undergoes excision of the mass; histopathologic preparation of the recovered tissue is shown in the image below. Failure of which of the following embryologic processes is most likely responsible for this patient's lesion?

• A)Apoptosis
• B)Differentiation
• C)Fusion
• D)Migration
• E)Proliferation

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Definitions:

Bed Sores

Pressure ulcers that develop on the skin from prolonged pressure, often affecting individuals who are bedridden or immobile.

Physical Neglect

Failing to provide adequate physical care, such as food, shelter, health care, and safety, to a dependent individual.

Elder Maltreatment

Abuse or neglect of older adults, involving physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm, or neglect.

Adults

Individuals who have reached full physical maturity, typically characterized by completed growth and the attainment of legal age for societal responsibilities and privileges.