Which of the following is a hallmark of relapsing polychondritis?

Inflammation of cartilage is indeed a hallmark of relapsing polychondritis. This autoimmune disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation affecting the cartilage in various parts of the body, most notably the external ear, nose, trachea, and other cartilage-rich structures. The inflammation can lead to pain, swelling, and potential deterioration of the cartilage.

The condition primarily targets cartilage due to its unique antigenic properties, which seem to trigger an immune response. As the cartilage is affected, patients may experience deformities and other functional impairments related to the areas where cartilage is involved.

The other options do not accurately represent the key features of relapsing polychondritis. For instance, joint stiffness may occur but is not as defining as the specific inflammation of cartilage. The notion that it never affects the nose is incorrect since nasal cartilage is commonly involved, leading to characteristic deformities. Lastly, while the condition can affect women more frequently, it is not exclusive to them and can also occur in men. Hence, inflammation of cartilage is the most definitive aspect associated with this condition.