American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Practice Exam

Which condition is identified as a pigmented tumor of the skin?

1. Melanoma

2. Intrdemal

3. Tinea

4. Pediculosis

The correct answer is: Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, which gives skin its pigment. This condition is characterized by the presence of pigmented lesions or tumors on the skin, which can vary in color from brown to black, and may also exhibit other colors such as red, white, or blue. Recognizing melanoma is crucial as early detection significantly affects prognosis, making it one of the most critical skin conditions to understand in both dermatology and coding contexts. Other conditions listed do not primarily involve pigmented tumors. Intradermal refers to a location within the skin and does not specify a tumor type. Tinea is a fungal infection that affects the skin, hair, or nails and is not pigmented in the same way melanoma is. Pediculosis refers to an infestation of lice, which results in itching and irritation but does not characterize a pigmented growth or tumor. Therefore, melanoma stands out as the specific answer related to pigmented tumors of the skin.