Skin tumours: melanoma immunohistochemistry: 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: melanoma immunohistochemistry

Sample item

Which immunohistochemical marker is the most sensitive, but least specific, for melanoma?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. S100

S100 is highly sensitive for melanoma but also stains nerve and Langerhans cell lesions, so it is not specific. HMB-45 and Melan-A (MART-1) are more specific but less sensitive. Cytokeratins are epithelial markers.

Option by option

  • A. S100 (correct)

    Correct. S100 is the most sensitive marker.

  • B. Cytokeratin

    Cytokeratin is an epithelial marker.

  • C. Melan-A

    Melan-A is specific but less sensitive.

  • D. HMB-45

    HMB-45 is specific but less sensitive.

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 A, S100. S100 is highly sensitive for melanoma but also stains nerve and Langerhans cell lesions, so it is not specific.

Why is "Cytokeratin" not the answer?

Cytokeratin is an epithelial marker.

Why is "Melan-A" not the answer?

Melan-A is specific but less sensitive.

Why is "HMB-45" not the answer?

HMB-45 is specific but less sensitive.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Skin tumours: melanoma immunohistochemistry in Dermatology. HMB-45 and Melan-A (MART-1) are more specific but less sensitive. Cytokeratins are epithelial markers.

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 Skin tumours: melanoma immunohistochemistry?

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.