Papulosquamous disorders: oral lichen planus: 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 · Papulosquamous disorders: oral lichen planus

Sample item

A woman with erosive oral lichen planus has persistent ulcers. Which investigation is important and why?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Hepatitis C serology, because of the association

Oral lichen planus is associated with hepatitis C infection in some regions, and erosive disease carries a small risk of squamous cell carcinoma so persistent ulcers need follow-up and biopsy. Treatment is with potent topical steroids.

Option by option

  • A. Skin patch test for nickel only

    Patch testing may be done for suspected lichenoid reactions to amalgam but is not the standard first step.

  • B. Urine porphyrins only

    Porphyrins relate to blistering photosensitivity disorders.

  • C. Antinuclear antibody for lupus only

    ANA is not the key investigation for lichen planus.

  • D. Hepatitis C serology, because of the association (correct)

    Correct. Hepatitis C association warrants serology.

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 D, Hepatitis C serology, because of the association. Oral lichen planus is associated with hepatitis C infection in some regions, and erosive disease carries a small risk of squamous cell carcinoma so persistent ulcers need follow-up and biopsy.

Why is "Skin patch test for nickel only" not the answer?

Patch testing may be done for suspected lichenoid reactions to amalgam but is not the standard first step.

Why is "Urine porphyrins only" not the answer?

Porphyrins relate to blistering photosensitivity disorders.

Why is "Antinuclear antibody for lupus only" not the answer?

ANA is not the key investigation for lichen planus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Papulosquamous disorders: oral lichen planus in Dermatology. Treatment is with potent topical steroids.

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 Papulosquamous disorders: oral lichen planus?

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.