American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

What is the primary characteristic of neurogenic tumors in the posterior mediastinum?

1. Associated with thymoma

2. Arise from pluripotent stem cells

3. Commonly benign

4. Always malignant

The correct answer is: Commonly benign

Neurogenic tumors in the posterior mediastinum are primarily characterized by their benign nature. The majority of these tumors, such as schwannomas, neurofibromas, and ganglioneuromas, typically exhibit benign behavior. While some tumors can be malignant, the predominance of benign variants is a defining feature in the context of posterior mediastinal tumors. The association with thymoma is not a defining characteristic of neurogenic tumors, as thymomas originate from thymic tissue and are distinct from neurogenic origins. Similarly, the claim that neurogenic tumors arise from pluripotent stem cells is misleading; these tumors specifically originate from neural crest cells and not pluripotent stem cells. The notion that these tumors are “always malignant” is incorrect, as many of the neurogenic tumors are indeed benign, which contrasts with the correct statement regarding their commonly benign nature.