If a lesion is less than 6 mm in diameter and has regular borders, it is more likely to be noncancerous. Which description is MOST consistent with this finding?

If a lesion is less than 6 mm in diameter and has regular borders, it is more likely to be noncancerous. Which description is MOST consistent with this finding?

• A. Angiomas are small, usually less than 3 mm in diameter and are usually bright red. They also have smooth borders.
• B. Melanomas are primarily greater than 6 mm in diameter and have irregular borders
• C. Basal cell carcinomas usually have irregular borders, and skin in the area will flake off. The coloration is usually not black
• D. Nevus

Answer: (D)

A small lesion with smooth, regular borders is most characteristic of a benign nevus (a mole). Nevi are typically well-defined, evenly pigmented, and usually under 6 mm in diameter, which fits the described finding and makes it the most consistent description for a noncancerous lesion. In contrast, melanoma often exceeds 6 mm and shows irregular borders with color variation and asymmetry; other lesions like angiomas are usually tiny and bright red with smooth borders but are nonpigmented vascular lesions, and basal cell carcinomas commonly have irregular borders and may crust or scale. So the description aligns best with a nevus.

A small lesion with smooth, regular borders is most characteristic of a benign nevus (a mole). Nevi are typically well-defined, evenly pigmented, and usually under 6 mm in diameter, which fits the described finding and makes it the most consistent description for a noncancerous lesion. In contrast, melanoma often exceeds 6 mm and shows irregular borders with color variation and asymmetry; other lesions like angiomas are usually tiny and bright red with smooth borders but are nonpigmented vascular lesions, and basal cell carcinomas commonly have irregular borders and may crust or scale. So the description aligns best with a nevus.