Skin tumours: dermoscopic blue-white veil: 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 · Skin tumours: dermoscopic blue-white veil

Sample item

Dermoscopy of a pigmented lesion on the back shows an irregular blue-white veil, atypical network and irregular streaks. Which diagnosis is most worrying?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Invasive melanoma

An irregular blue-white veil is a dermoscopic feature of invasive melanoma, representing irregular dense melanin with fibrosis in the dermis. Atypical network, streaks and regression structures add to suspicion. Excisional biopsy is required.

Option by option

  • A. Cherry angioma

    Cherry angioma shows red-purple lacunae.

  • B. Dermatofibroma

    Dermatofibroma shows a central white scar-like patch with peripheral delicate network.

  • C. Seborrhoeic keratosis

    Seborrhoeic keratosis shows milia-like cysts and comedo-like openings.

  • D. Invasive melanoma (correct)

    Correct. Blue-white veil points to invasive melanoma.

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, Invasive melanoma. An irregular blue-white veil is a dermoscopic feature of invasive melanoma, representing irregular dense melanin with fibrosis in the dermis.

Why is "Cherry angioma" not the answer?

Cherry angioma shows red-purple lacunae.

Why is "Dermatofibroma" not the answer?

Dermatofibroma shows a central white scar-like patch with peripheral delicate network.

Why is "Seborrhoeic keratosis" not the answer?

Seborrhoeic keratosis shows milia-like cysts and comedo-like openings.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Skin tumours: dermoscopic blue-white veil in Dermatology. Atypical network, streaks and regression structures add to suspicion. Excisional biopsy is required.

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: dermoscopic blue-white veil?

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.