Skin: melanoma prognosis: 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 · Skin: melanoma prognosis

Sample item

After excision biopsy of a pigmented lesion, which histological feature is the most important prognostic factor in localised melanoma?

ASize of the patientBSite of the biopsyCBreslow thicknessDColour of the lesion

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Breslow thickness

Breslow thickness, measured in millimetres from the granular layer to the deepest tumour cell, is the strongest predictor of outcome in localised disease. Ulceration, mitotic rate and sentinel node status also matter. Clark level is less reliable.

Option by option

A. Size of the patient
Patient size is irrelevant.
B. Site of the biopsy
Biopsy site is not the main determinant.
C. Breslow thickness (correct)
Correct. Breslow thickness is the key prognostic factor.
D. Colour of the lesion
Colour is a clinical feature, not a prognostic measure.

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.

Questions about this General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is C, Breslow thickness. Breslow thickness, measured in millimetres from the granular layer to the deepest tumour cell, is the strongest predictor of outcome in localised disease.

Why is "Size of the patient" not the answer?

Patient size is irrelevant.

Why is "Site of the biopsy" not the answer?

Biopsy site is not the main determinant.

Why is "Colour of the lesion" not the answer?

Colour is a clinical feature, not a prognostic measure.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Skin: melanoma prognosis in General Surgery. Ulceration, mitotic rate and sentinel node status also matter. Clark level is less reliable.

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: melanoma prognosis?

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.