Our blueprint estimate puts 15–20 of the 200 questions in pathology, about 8.8% of the paper, spread across both papers. It is our estimate, not a figure published by the RCOG. One of the heaviest-weighted areas on the paper.
15–20
of 200
9
in our syllabus map
illness
3 other areas
Pathology in this exam is gynaecological pathology: the lesions of the cervix, endometrium, ovary and trophoblast, how they are classified, and how classification drives management.
The 9 syllabus topics we map to Pathology for Part 1.
High-risk HPV types account for most cervical cancer, while the low-risk types cause warts. Know the grading of intraepithelial neoplasia and how the screening programme triages results.
Gynaecological Pathology NHS Cervical Screening Programme: Overview
Management is organised around whether atypia is present. Oestrogen-dependent endometrioid cancer is the commonest type and carries a better prognosis than the non-endometrioid types.
Gynaecological Pathology Management of Endometrial Hyperplasia
Classify tumours by cell of origin and pair each with its marker. A granulosa cell tumour secretes oestrogen, which links it to endometrial hyperplasia.
Complete and partial moles differ in genetics, tissue and malignant potential, and choriocarcinoma is highly chemosensitive. Lichen sclerosus carries a small risk of vulval cancer, which is why it needs follow-up.
Gynaecological Pathology Gestational Trophoblastic Disease Vulval Skin Disorders: Management
Organise by organ and by question: what is the lesion, how is it graded, what is the marker or screening test, and what is done about it. Pair each pathological classification with the management decision that follows from it, so the pathology is never revised in isolation. Revisit the trophoblastic and ovarian classifications often, since they are the easiest to blur.
Part 1 is 200 single best answer questions across two papers with no negative marking, so an informed guess always beats a blank. Pathology is a high-yield area in our blueprint estimate. It maps onto the gynaecological oncology and early pregnancy modules of Part 2, where management questions rest on the same classifications.
Every question is original and written from published RCOG and NICE guidance, and every explanation cites the guideline it came from. Free: 5 days full access, then 50 questions. No card.
Published RCOG and NICE guidance summarised for revision, with the source cited on every page.
MRCOG AI is an independent educational tool. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).