Dermatologist Certificate Skin Cancer Pathology and Oncology 2

Question 1

Merkel cell carcinoma is a neuroendocrine tumor associated with which viral pathogen?

Accepted Answer

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV)

Answer

Merkel cell polyomavirus DNA is integrated in approximately 80% of Merkel cell carcinomas, and viral oncoproteins (T antigens) contribute to tumorigenesis by inactivating tumor suppressors.

Question 2

What histological hallmark differentiates Bowen disease (SCC in situ) from invasive SCC?

Accepted Answer

Full-thickness epidermal dysplasia without invasion through the basement membrane

Answer

Bowen disease shows full-thickness dysplasia of the epidermis with preserved basement membrane — by definition, carcinoma in situ has not breached the basement membrane to invade the dermis.

Question 3

Kaposi sarcoma is associated with which herpesvirus, and which patient population is classically affected in epidemic KS?

Accepted Answer

HHV-8 (KSHV); patients with advanced HIV/AIDS

Answer

Human herpesvirus 8 (Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus) causes all forms of KS; epidemic KS affecting HIV-positive patients with AIDS was the most prevalent form during the AIDS epidemic.

Question 4

Extramammary Paget disease most commonly affects which anatomical sites?

Accepted Answer

Vulva, perianal region, and scrotum

Answer

Extramammary Paget disease presents as erythematous, eczematous plaques with large clear (Paget) cells and may be associated with an underlying adnexal or visceral adenocarcinoma.

Question 5

Which of the following is a high-risk feature of SCC that significantly increases metastatic potential?

Accepted Answer

Tumor diameter >2 cm, depth >2 mm, perineural invasion, or immunosuppression

Answer

High-risk SCC features include large size (>2 cm), deep invasion (>2 mm), poor differentiation, perineural or lymphovascular invasion, location on ear/lip, and patient immunosuppression.

Dermatologist Certificate Practice Test

Dermatologist Certificate Practice Test

Dermatologist Certificate Skin Cancer Pathology and Oncology 2