Eyelid: basal cell carcinoma: 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 · Eyelid: basal cell carcinoma

Sample item

Which is the commonest malignant tumour of the eyelid and its typical site?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Basal cell carcinoma of the lower lid

Basal cell carcinoma accounts for most eyelid malignancies, usually in the lower lid and medial canthus, with a pearly nodule and telangiectasia. It rarely metastasises but is locally invasive.

Option by option

  • A. Sebaceous carcinoma of the lower lid

    Sebaceous carcinoma is more common in the upper lid.

  • B. Melanoma of the medial canthus

    Melanoma is rare on the lid.

  • C. Basal cell carcinoma of the lower lid (correct)

    Correct. BCC of the lower lid is commonest.

  • D. Squamous cell carcinoma of the upper lid

    Squamous cell carcinoma is less common.

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 Ophthalmology questions

Questions about this Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is C, Basal cell carcinoma of the lower lid. Basal cell carcinoma accounts for most eyelid malignancies, usually in the lower lid and medial canthus, with a pearly nodule and telangiectasia.

Why is "Sebaceous carcinoma of the lower lid" not the answer?

Sebaceous carcinoma is more common in the upper lid.

Why is "Melanoma of the medial canthus" not the answer?

Melanoma is rare on the lid.

Why is "Squamous cell carcinoma of the upper lid" not the answer?

Squamous cell carcinoma is less common.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Eyelid: basal cell carcinoma in Ophthalmology. It rarely metastasises but is locally invasive.

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 Eyelid: basal cell carcinoma?

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.