Imaging modalities and physics: T1 shortening by melanin: practice question

A Radiology 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.

Try it

Radiology · Imaging modalities and physics: T1 shortening by melanin

Sample item

A patient has several brain metastases that are bright on unenhanced T1-weighted images and dark on T2-weighted images. Which primary tumour classically produces this signal pattern?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Malignant melanoma

Melanin contains stable free radicals that shorten both T1 and T2, so melanotic metastases are bright on T1 and dark on T2. Most other metastases are T1 isointense or hypointense and T2 hyperintense unless they bleed.

Option by option

  • A. Small cell lung carcinoma

    Small cell carcinoma metastases are usually T1 isointense and T2 bright.

  • B. Squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

    Cervical squamous metastases lack a paramagnetic substance unless they haemorrhage.

  • C. Malignant melanoma (correct)

    Correct. Melanin shortens T1 and T2 and gives this signal pattern.

  • D. Prostate adenocarcinoma

    Prostate metastases to brain are uncommon and have no intrinsic T1 shortening.

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 Radiology questions

Questions about this Radiology question

What is the answer to this Radiology question?

The best answer is C, Malignant melanoma. Melanin contains stable free radicals that shorten both T1 and T2, so melanotic metastases are bright on T1 and dark on T2.

Why is "Small cell lung carcinoma" not the answer?

Small cell carcinoma metastases are usually T1 isointense and T2 bright.

Why is "Squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix" not the answer?

Cervical squamous metastases lack a paramagnetic substance unless they haemorrhage.

Why is "Prostate adenocarcinoma" not the answer?

Prostate metastases to brain are uncommon and have no intrinsic T1 shortening.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Imaging modalities and physics: T1 shortening by melanin in Radiology. Most other metastases are T1 isointense or hypointense and T2 hyperintense unless they bleed.

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 Imaging modalities and physics: T1 shortening by melanin?

Learn signs with the image, and the disease they point to. Then use the flashcards and the other Radiology 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.