Papulosquamous disorders: porokeratosis: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Papulosquamous disorders: porokeratosis

Sample item

A skin biopsy from an annular plaque with a thread-like raised keratotic border shows a column of parakeratosis. What is this histological feature called?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Cornoid lamella

The cornoid lamella, a column of parakeratotic cells overlying a hypogranulosis zone, is the histological hallmark of porokeratosis. Lesions are annular plaques with a raised ridge and are mildly premalignant. Munro microabscesses are seen in psoriasis.

Option by option

  • A. Munro microabscess

    Munro microabscesses are in psoriasis.

  • B. Grenz zone

    A Grenz zone is seen in lepromatous leprosy.

  • C. Civatte body

    Civatte bodies are in lichen planus.

  • D. Cornoid lamella (correct)

    Correct. The cornoid lamella marks porokeratosis.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, Cornoid lamella. The cornoid lamella, a column of parakeratotic cells overlying a hypogranulosis zone, is the histological hallmark of porokeratosis.

Why is "Munro microabscess" not the answer?

Munro microabscesses are in psoriasis.

Why is "Grenz zone" not the answer?

A Grenz zone is seen in lepromatous leprosy.

Why is "Civatte body" not the answer?

Civatte bodies are in lichen planus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: porokeratosis in Dermatology. Lesions are annular plaques with a raised ridge and are mildly premalignant. Munro microabscesses are seen in psoriasis.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Papulosquamous disorders: porokeratosis?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.