HESI (Health and Environmental Sciences Institute) Health Assessment Practice Test

In the assessment of pigmented lesions, color variation is particularly concerning because it can indicate a lack of uniformity and possible malignancy. A lesion that displays multiple colors, such as shades of brown, black, tan, or even red and white, raises suspicion for conditions like melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer. Healthcare professionals look for inconsistencies in pigmentation as a red flag for potential changes in the lesion's nature.

While the other options—border regularity, symmetry, and diameter—are important features to consider in lesion evaluation, the presence of color variation specifically suggests a higher risk for malignancy. Regular borders and symmetrical lesions typically indicate benign growths, and the size of the lesion alone, especially if less than 6 mm, does not rule out the possibility of being dangerous, especially when combined with other abnormal characteristics. Thus, establishing the pattern and variation of pigment is critical in diagnosing and determining the urgency for further evaluation or intervention.