PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

What characteristics are associated with melanoma?

1. Flat, clear lesions with defined borders

2. Asymmetrical, variable color, changing shape

3. Uniform color and well-circumscribed edges

4. Small, raised bumps with pink coloration

The correct answer is: Asymmetrical, variable color, changing shape

Melanoma is known for specific characteristics that set it apart from other types of skin lesions. The correct answer highlights features that are commonly associated with melanoma. Asymmetry is a critical indicator; if the halves of a skin lesion do not match in size and shape, it raises suspicion for melanoma. Variable color is another telling sign, as melanoma can present with different shades of brown, black, and even hues such as red, white, or blue. This variability indicates changes in the pigmentation of the melanocytes. Additionally, a changing shape in a lesion over time—a hallmark of malignancy—suggests that the lesion is growing or developing irregular borders, which often occurs in melanomas. The other options do not represent typical characteristics of melanoma. Flat, clear lesions with defined borders suggest benign conditions rather than malignancies. Uniform color and well-circumscribed edges are often associated with benign moles or lesions that do not indicate the presence of cancer. Lastly, small, raised bumps with pink coloration can relate to various benign dermatologic issues, such as skin tags or certain types of benign nevi, but they do not align with the characteristics generally found in melanoma. Thus, the comprehensive understanding of asymmetry, color variation, and changing