Cutaneous markers of malignancy: hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita: 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 · Cutaneous markers of malignancy: hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita

Sample item

A 58-year-old woman develops sudden growth of fine, soft, unpigmented lanugo-type hair over the face and trunk with weight loss and a smooth red tongue. What should be sought?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Underlying internal malignancy, often of the lung or colon

Hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita is a paraneoplastic condition with sudden growth of lanugo hair, often with a smooth tongue, and is associated with malignancies such as lung and colorectal cancers. It requires a search for cancer. The hair may regress with treatment of the tumour.

Option by option

  • A. Minoxidil use only

    Minoxidil use should be excluded, but the picture should prompt a malignancy search.

  • B. Underlying internal malignancy, often of the lung or colon (correct)

    Correct. Acquired lanugo hair growth suggests internal malignancy.

  • C. Hypothyroidism only

    Hypothyroidism does not cause lanugo growth.

  • D. Polycystic ovary syndrome

    PCOS causes terminal-hair hirsutism in younger women.

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, Underlying internal malignancy, often of the lung or colon. Hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita is a paraneoplastic condition with sudden growth of lanugo hair, often with a smooth tongue, and is associated with malignancies such as lung and colorectal cancers.

Why is "Minoxidil use only" not the answer?

Minoxidil use should be excluded, but the picture should prompt a malignancy search.

Why is "Hypothyroidism only" not the answer?

Hypothyroidism does not cause lanugo growth.

Why is "Polycystic ovary syndrome" not the answer?

PCOS causes terminal-hair hirsutism in younger women.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cutaneous markers of malignancy: hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita in Dermatology. It requires a search for cancer. The hair may regress with treatment of the tumour.

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 Cutaneous markers of malignancy: hypertrichosis lanuginosa acquisita?

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.