Basal cell carcinoma is best described as which lesion?

• A. Pink, pearly papule with surface telangiectasia
• B. Dark irregular mole
• C. Flat red patch
• D. Blue nevus

Answer: (A)

Basal cell carcinoma typically appears as a pink, pearly (translucent) papule or small nodule on sun-exposed skin. The surface often has fine telangiectasias (tiny visible blood vessels), and the lesion may have a rolled border with central area of crusting or shallow ulceration. This combination of a pearly, pink lesion with surface telangiectasia is characteristic for BCC and helps distinguish it from other skin lesions.

The other descriptions fit different conditions: a dark irregular mole suggests melanoma; a flat red patch could be actinic keratosis or dermatitis; a blue nevus is a blue-black pigmented lesion from dermal melanocytes.