Skin tumours: familial atypical mole syndrome: 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: familial atypical mole syndrome

Sample item

A family has multiple members with more than 50 atypical moles, melanoma and pancreatic cancer. Which gene is commonly mutated?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. CDKN2A

Familial atypical mole and melanoma syndrome (dysplastic naevus syndrome) is linked to CDKN2A mutations, which also raise the risk of pancreatic cancer. Surveillance with total body skin examination and dermoscopy is advised. PTCH1 is mutated in Gorlin syndrome.

Option by option

  • A. XPA

    XPA mutation causes xeroderma pigmentosum.

  • B. CDKN2A (correct)

    Correct. CDKN2A mutation underlies familial melanoma.

  • C. PTCH1

    PTCH1 mutation causes basal cell naevus syndrome.

  • D. NF1

    NF1 mutation causes neurofibromatosis type 1.

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 B, CDKN2A. Familial atypical mole and melanoma syndrome (dysplastic naevus syndrome) is linked to CDKN2A mutations, which also raise the risk of pancreatic cancer.

Why is "XPA" not the answer?

XPA mutation causes xeroderma pigmentosum.

Why is "PTCH1" not the answer?

PTCH1 mutation causes basal cell naevus syndrome.

Why is "NF1" not the answer?

NF1 mutation causes neurofibromatosis type 1.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Skin tumours: familial atypical mole syndrome in Dermatology. Surveillance with total body skin examination and dermoscopy is advised. PTCH1 is mutated in Gorlin syndrome.

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: familial atypical mole syndrome?

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.