Skin tumours: seborrhoeic keratosis: 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.

Try it

Dermatology · Skin tumours: seborrhoeic keratosis

Sample item

An elderly man suddenly develops numerous itchy seborrhoeic keratoses over the trunk. Which diagnosis should be excluded?

AScabiesBHypothyroidismCContact allergyDAn internal malignancy, such as gastric adenocarcinoma

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. An internal malignancy, such as gastric adenocarcinoma

The sign of Leser-Trelat is the abrupt eruption of multiple seborrhoeic keratoses and may indicate an underlying visceral malignancy, most often adenocarcinoma of the stomach or colon. Seborrhoeic keratoses are otherwise benign, stuck-on, waxy lesions.

Option by option

A. Scabies
Scabies produces burrows and itch without keratoses.
B. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism causes dry skin but not this eruption.
C. Contact allergy
Contact allergy causes eczema.
D. An internal malignancy, such as gastric adenocarcinoma (correct)
Correct. Sudden eruptive keratoses call for a search for malignancy.

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 Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, An internal malignancy, such as gastric adenocarcinoma. The sign of Leser-Trelat is the abrupt eruption of multiple seborrhoeic keratoses and may indicate an underlying visceral malignancy, most often adenocarcinoma of the stomach or colon.

Why is "Scabies" not the answer?

Scabies produces burrows and itch without keratoses.

Why is "Hypothyroidism" not the answer?

Hypothyroidism causes dry skin but not this eruption.

Why is "Contact allergy" not the answer?

Contact allergy causes eczema.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Skin tumours: seborrhoeic keratosis in Dermatology. Seborrhoeic keratoses are otherwise benign, stuck-on, waxy lesions.

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: seborrhoeic keratosis?

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.