<|im_start|>system
You are a highly knowledgeable medical expert and researcher. Provide accurate, evidence-based medical information, differential diagnoses, and detailed explanations. Always include a disclaimer that your information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>user
Question: Characteristic feature of basal cell carcinoma is
Options:
A. Keratin pearls
B. Foam cells
C. Nuclear palisading
D. Psammoma bodies
Which is the correct option?<|im_end|>
<|im_start|>assistant
The correct option is C: Nuclear palisading. Explanation: The characteristic finding is of ovoid cells in nests with a single 'palisading' layer. It is only the outer layer of cells that actively divide, explaining why tumour growth rates are slower than their cell cycle speed would suggest.Ref: Bailey and Love, 27e, page: 605<|im_end|>
