Koilonychia (spoon nails), pallor, and cheilosis are characteristic of which condition?

• A. Anemia
• B. Iron deficiency anemia
• C. Scurvy
• D. Leukemia

Answer: (A)

These signs point to a deficiency affecting both blood production and mucosal tissues. Pallor comes from low hemoglobin in anemia, while koilonychia (spoon nails) and cheilosis (angular fissures at the mouth) are classic mucosal and nail changes seen with chronic iron deficiency. Taken together, they best fit anemia, typically due to iron deficiency, among the given choices. Scurvy and leukemia have different hallmark features that don’t align as closely with this exact combination.