Cutaneous markers of malignancy: erythema gyratum repens: 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 · Cutaneous markers of malignancy: erythema gyratum repens

Sample item

A 65-year-old smoker has a rapidly migrating, concentric wood-grain pattern of erythematous bands over the trunk with intense itching. Which underlying disease should be investigated first?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Lung cancer

Erythema gyratum repens is a rare paraneoplastic eruption with a wood-grain pattern that migrates quickly, and it is most often associated with lung carcinoma. The rash may precede the cancer diagnosis. It resolves if the tumour is treated.

Option by option

  • A. Hypothyroidism

    Hypothyroidism causes dry skin and myxoedema.

  • B. Psoriasis

    Psoriasis does not migrate in a wood-grain pattern.

  • C. Lung cancer (correct)

    Correct. Erythema gyratum repens is most often linked to lung cancer.

  • D. Gout

    Gout causes tophi and arthritis.

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.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is C, Lung cancer. Erythema gyratum repens is a rare paraneoplastic eruption with a wood-grain pattern that migrates quickly, and it is most often associated with lung carcinoma.

Why is "Hypothyroidism" not the answer?

Hypothyroidism causes dry skin and myxoedema.

Why is "Psoriasis" not the answer?

Psoriasis does not migrate in a wood-grain pattern.

Why is "Gout" not the answer?

Gout causes tophi and arthritis.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cutaneous markers of malignancy: erythema gyratum repens in Dermatology. The rash may precede the cancer diagnosis. It resolves if the tumour is treated.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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 Cutaneous markers of malignancy: erythema gyratum repens?

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.