How pathology is examined
Phase 2 of the RANZCR clinical radiology training program is assessed with examinations that test image interpretation, pathology knowledge and clinical reasoning across body systems. Formats and weightings change, so check the current RANZCR examination information and Phase 2 learning outcomes.
High-yield topics
| Topic | Key imaging points |
|---|---|
| Tumours | Benign versus malignant features, spread |
| Inflammation | Acute and chronic changes |
| Infection | Abscess formation, TB |
| Vascular | Infarction, aneurysm, dissection |
| Genetic syndromes | Associated tumours (VHL, NF1, MEN) |
Worked questions
Worked question · Syndromes
Which syndrome is associated with renal cell carcinoma, haemangioblastomas and phaeochromocytoma?
- A Von Hippel-Lindau
- B Neurofibromatosis type 2
- C Tuberous sclerosis
- D Sturge-Weber
- E Li-Fraumeni
Show the reasoning
Answer A. VHL causes haemangioblastomas, clear cell RCC, phaeochromocytoma and pancreatic lesions.
A search pattern for reporting
- Identify the tissue or organ
- Describe the process: neoplastic, inflammatory, infective, vascular, degenerative
- Link the pathology to the imaging appearance
- Consider syndromic associations
- Give a prioritised differential
Use the same order every time so that nothing is missed under exam conditions, then finish with a concise conclusion and recommendation.
Signs and differentials to know
| Imaging sign or finding | Think of |
|---|---|
| Calcified lesion with fat | Teratoma |
| T2 bright lesion with fluid-fluid levels | Aneurysmal bone cyst |
| Haemorrhagic metastases | Melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, thyroid, choriocarcinoma |
| Multiple renal angiomyolipomas | Tuberous sclerosis |
| Bilateral vestibular schwannomas | Neurofibromatosis type 2 |
| Medullary thyroid cancer with phaeochromocytoma | MEN 2 |
A 4-week revision block
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 | Tumour pathology |
| 2 | Inflammation and infection |
| 3 | Vascular and syndromes |
| 4 | Mixed questions |
Pair reading with daily timed questions and image review on teaching files, and log every missed structure or sign.
Common traps
- Learning imaging without pathology.
- Forgetting syndrome associations.
- Unclear tumour spread.
Free sample pathology questions
Questions from our Radiology Phase 2 bank. Choose your answer, then open the explanation.
Which imaging feature suggests lymphoma nodes?
- ASmall calcified nodes
- BCystic nodes
- CFatty hilum
- DBulky homogeneous nodes
- ENecrotic nodes with calcification
Show answer and explanation
Answer D. Lymphoma: bulky homogeneous nodes encasing vessels without narrowing.
Learning point: Lymphoma: homogeneous, encasing.
A tree-in-bud pattern on CT indicates:
- ASmall airway disease
- BPneumothorax
- CPulmonary oedema
- DHaematogenous metastases only
- ELymphangitis
Show answer and explanation
Answer A. Tree-in-bud: filled centrilobular bronchioles (infection, TB, aspiration).
Learning point: Tree-in-bud: small airways.
Ground-glass opacity means:
- ADense consolidation hiding vessels
- BHazy density, vessels visible
- CFat
- DCalcification
- EAir trapping
Show answer and explanation
Answer B. GGO: partial filling or interstitial thickening; vessels still visible. Consolidation obscures vessels.
Learning point: GGO: vessels visible.
Practise more pathology questions free
Every pathology subtopic in our bank
The bank holds 19 pathology questions across 19 subtopics. You can filter by any of them, build a custom block and track your accuracy subtopic by subtopic.
- Abscess vs tumour1
- Asbestos exposure1
- Bone metastases1
- Calcification in tumours1
- Crazy paving1
- Ground glass1
- Haemochromatosis1
- Liver fat1
- Lymphoma1
- Lymphoma imaging1
- Metastasis patterns1
- Myeloma1
- Normal variants1
- Pathology correlation1
- Pneumatosis1
- Pulmonary hypertension1
- Renal colic CT1
- Thyroid nodules1
- Tuberculosis imaging1
Common questions
What does Phase 2 assess?
Image interpretation, pathology and clinical reasoning across body systems. Check RANZCR for current formats.
How should I practise?
Daily timed questions with image review, and structured reporting practice.
Why does pathology matter for radiologists?
It explains imaging appearances and guides differentials.
Sources
Clinical content is summarised from current Australian guidance at the date above. Guidelines change, so always check the latest edition.