Nonmelanoma skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma: 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 · Nonmelanoma skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma

Sample item

A patient has a tender enlarging hyperkeratotic indurated nodule on the lower lip. Which malignancy is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma may present as a scaly or hyperkeratotic indurated lesion on sun-exposed sites, including the lip. It has metastatic potential, particularly in high-risk locations or immunosuppression.

Option by option

  • A. Lipoma

    Lipoma is a soft mobile subcutaneous mass.

  • B. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (correct)

    Correct. Indurated keratotic lip lesions are concerning for SCC.

  • C. Dermatofibroma

    Dermatofibroma is a benign firm dermal nodule usually on the limbs.

  • D. Basal cell carcinoma

    BCC is typically pearly with rolled edges and rarely occurs as a hyperkeratotic lip nodule.

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 B, Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma may present as a scaly or hyperkeratotic indurated lesion on sun-exposed sites, including the lip.

Why is "Lipoma" not the answer?

Lipoma is a soft mobile subcutaneous mass.

Why is "Dermatofibroma" not the answer?

Dermatofibroma is a benign firm dermal nodule usually on the limbs.

Why is "Basal cell carcinoma" not the answer?

BCC is typically pearly with rolled edges and rarely occurs as a hyperkeratotic lip nodule.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Nonmelanoma skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma in Dermatology. It has metastatic potential, particularly in high-risk locations or immunosuppression.

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 Nonmelanoma skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma?

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.