Head and neck: oral premalignant lesions: practice question

A General Surgery 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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General Surgery · Head and neck: oral premalignant lesions

Sample item

Among oral premalignant lesions, which has the highest rate of malignant transformation?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Erythroplakia

Erythroplakia, a red velvety patch, shows dysplasia or carcinoma in situ in most biopsies and has the highest risk of malignancy. Non-homogeneous leukoplakia is the next riskiest. Biopsy of any persistent lesion is advised, along with cessation of tobacco and areca nut.

Option by option

  • A. Erythroplakia (correct)

    Correct. Erythroplakia is the highest-risk lesion.

  • B. Homogeneous leukoplakia

    Homogeneous leukoplakia has a lower risk.

  • C. Lichen planus

    Lichen planus carries a small risk.

  • D. Aphthous ulcer

    Aphthous ulcers are benign.

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 General Surgery questions

Questions about this General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is A, Erythroplakia. Erythroplakia, a red velvety patch, shows dysplasia or carcinoma in situ in most biopsies and has the highest risk of malignancy.

Why is "Homogeneous leukoplakia" not the answer?

Homogeneous leukoplakia has a lower risk.

Why is "Lichen planus" not the answer?

Lichen planus carries a small risk.

Why is "Aphthous ulcer" not the answer?

Aphthous ulcers are benign.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck: oral premalignant lesions in General Surgery. Non-homogeneous leukoplakia is the next riskiest. Biopsy of any persistent lesion is advised, along with cessation of tobacco and areca nut.

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 Head and neck: oral premalignant lesions?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery 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.