Skin tumours: skin cancer in transplant recipients: 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.

Try it

Dermatology · Skin tumours: skin cancer in transplant recipients

Sample item

A renal transplant recipient on azathioprine and prednisolone for 12 years develops multiple warty keratotic lesions on the hands. Which statement is correct about skin cancer risk in such patients?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Squamous cell carcinoma becomes more frequent than basal cell carcinoma

In organ transplant recipients, immunosuppression reverses the usual ratio so that SCC is more common than BCC, and these SCCs are more aggressive. HPV and UV exposure contribute, and photoprotection with regular skin checks is essential. Reduction of immunosuppression or conversion to sirolimus may be considered.

Option by option

  • A. Only melanoma is increased

    Both SCC and BCC are increased, with SCC predominating.

  • B. Basal cell carcinoma greatly outnumbers squamous cell carcinoma

    The ratio is reversed, not increased for BCC.

  • C. Squamous cell carcinoma becomes more frequent than basal cell carcinoma (correct)

    Correct. SCC becomes more common than BCC in transplant recipients.

  • D. Risk is lower than in the general population

    Risk is much higher than average.

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.

More Dermatology questions

Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is C, Squamous cell carcinoma becomes more frequent than basal cell carcinoma. In organ transplant recipients, immunosuppression reverses the usual ratio so that SCC is more common than BCC, and these SCCs are more aggressive.

Why is "Only melanoma is increased" not the answer?

Both SCC and BCC are increased, with SCC predominating.

Why is "Basal cell carcinoma greatly outnumbers squamous cell carcinoma" not the answer?

The ratio is reversed, not increased for BCC.

Why is "Risk is lower than in the general population" not the answer?

Risk is much higher than average.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Skin tumours: skin cancer in transplant recipients in Dermatology. HPV and UV exposure contribute, and photoprotection with regular skin checks is essential. Reduction of immunosuppression or conversion to sirolimus may be considered.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Skin tumours: skin cancer in transplant recipients?

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.