Skin tumours: dermoscopy of basal cell carcinoma: 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: dermoscopy of basal cell carcinoma

Sample item

A pearly nodule on the nose of an elderly farmer is examined by dermoscopy. Which finding supports a diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Arborising telangiectasia

Arborising (tree-like branching) vessels are the key dermoscopic feature of basal cell carcinoma. Other features include ulceration, blue-grey ovoid nests and leaf-like areas.

Option by option

  • A. Comedo-like openings

    Comedo-like openings and milia-like cysts are seen in seborrhoeic keratosis.

  • B. Blue-white veil

    A blue-white veil is a feature of melanoma.

  • C. Arborising telangiectasia (correct)

    Correct. Arborising vessels are typical of basal cell carcinoma.

  • D. Wickham striae

    Wickham striae are lacy white lines seen in lichen planus.

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 C, Arborising telangiectasia. Arborising (tree-like branching) vessels are the key dermoscopic feature of basal cell carcinoma.

Why is "Comedo-like openings" not the answer?

Comedo-like openings and milia-like cysts are seen in seborrhoeic keratosis.

Why is "Blue-white veil" not the answer?

A blue-white veil is a feature of melanoma.

Why is "Wickham striae" not the answer?

Wickham striae are lacy white lines seen in lichen planus.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Skin tumours: dermoscopy of basal cell carcinoma in Dermatology. Other features include ulceration, blue-grey ovoid nests and leaf-like areas.

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: dermoscopy of basal cell carcinoma?

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.