American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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Prepare for the ABS QE with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question provides hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Start your journey to becoming a certified surgeon and tackle your exam with confidence!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

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What is the primary characteristic of a superficial spreading melanoma?

It is the least common melanoma
It is often found on sun-exposed skin
It metastasizes quickly
It is primarily seen in older patients

The correct answer is: It is often found on sun-exposed skin

The primary characteristic of a superficial spreading melanoma is indeed often found on sun-exposed skin. This type of melanoma is the most common form and is particularly associated with areas of the body that receive a lot of sun exposure, such as the back, chest, and limbs. Patients with superficial spreading melanoma typically notice a change in a mole or the appearance of a new pigmented lesion in these areas. The characteristics of this melanoma include being irregular in shape, having varied color, and often being flat or slightly raised. The association with sun exposure is significant, as ultraviolet radiation is a known risk factor for developing melanomas. In contrast to the other options, superficial spreading melanoma is not the least common form of melanoma; instead, it is one of the most prevalent. While it can metastasize, it tends to have a slower rate of progression compared to more aggressive melanoma variants. Lastly, while it can occur in older patients, it is also commonly diagnosed in younger individuals, making age not a distinguishing factor for this type of melanoma.