Uvea: choroidal melanoma shape: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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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Ophthalmology · Uvea: choroidal melanoma shape

Sample item

A B-scan of a pigmented choroidal mass shows a mushroom or collar-stud shape with an acoustically hollow interior. The tumour has broken through which structure to produce this shape?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Bruch's membrane

A choroidal melanoma grows within the choroid until it ruptures Bruch's membrane, then expands into the subretinal space in a mushroom or collar-stud configuration. This feature, with acoustic hollowness, helps to distinguish it from a flat choroidal naevus or haemangioma.

Option by option

  • A. The internal limiting membrane

    The internal limiting membrane lies at the inner retinal surface and is not breached by a choroidal tumour at this stage.

  • B. The sclera

    Scleral invasion causes extraocular extension, not the collar-stud configuration.

  • C. Bruch's membrane (correct)

    Correct. Rupture of Bruch's membrane gives the mushroom shape.

  • D. The lamina cribrosa

    The lamina cribrosa is the optic nerve head sieve and is not a choroidal barrier.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is C, Bruch's membrane. A choroidal melanoma grows within the choroid until it ruptures Bruch's membrane, then expands into the subretinal space in a mushroom or collar-stud configuration.

Why is "The internal limiting membrane" not the answer?

The internal limiting membrane lies at the inner retinal surface and is not breached by a choroidal tumour at this stage.

Why is "The sclera" not the answer?

Scleral invasion causes extraocular extension, not the collar-stud configuration.

Why is "The lamina cribrosa" not the answer?

The lamina cribrosa is the optic nerve head sieve and is not a choroidal barrier.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Uvea: choroidal melanoma shape in Ophthalmology. This feature, with acoustic hollowness, helps to distinguish it from a flat choroidal naevus or haemangioma.

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 Uvea: choroidal melanoma shape?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.