Skin tumours: melanoma prognosis: 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 prognosis

Sample item

Which histological parameter is the most important prognostic factor for primary cutaneous melanoma?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Breslow thickness

Breslow thickness is the vertical depth in millimetres from the granular layer to the deepest tumour cell and determines T staging and surgical margins. Ulceration is the next most important feature in staging.

Option by option

  • A. Lesion colour

    Colour is a diagnostic clue but not a staging parameter.

  • B. Patient sex

    Sex has minor prognostic influence.

  • C. Clark level alone

    Clark level is less reproducible and has been replaced by Breslow thickness.

  • D. Breslow thickness (correct)

    Correct. Breslow thickness is the main prognostic determinant.

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 D, Breslow thickness. Breslow thickness is the vertical depth in millimetres from the granular layer to the deepest tumour cell and determines T staging and surgical margins.

Why is "Lesion colour" not the answer?

Colour is a diagnostic clue but not a staging parameter.

Why is "Patient sex" not the answer?

Sex has minor prognostic influence.

Why is "Clark level alone" not the answer?

Clark level is less reproducible and has been replaced by Breslow thickness.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Skin tumours: melanoma prognosis in Dermatology. Ulceration is the next most important feature in staging.

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 prognosis?

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.