Diseases of the Pharynx — MCQs

Diseases of the Pharynx Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 101: What is the treatment of choice for angiofibroma?

A. Surgery (Correct Answer)
B. Radiotherapy
C. Both
D. Chemotherapy

Explanation: **Explanation:** **Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA)** is a benign but locally aggressive, highly vascular tumor typically seen in adolescent males. **Why Surgery is the Treatment of Choice:** Surgery is the gold standard because it offers the best chance for complete cure. Modern surgical approaches (Endoscopic, Transpalatal, or Lateral Rhinotomy) allow for total excision. To minimize intraoperative blood loss—the primary complication—**pre-operative embolization** (usually 24–48 hours before surgery) is routinely performed to occlude the feeding vessel, which is most commonly the **Internal Maxillary Artery**. **Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Radiotherapy:** This is reserved for **recurrent, residual, or inoperable cases** (e.g., extensive intracranial extension involving the cavernous sinus). It is not the first line due to the risk of secondary malignancies and growth retardation in young patients. * **Chemotherapy:** JNA is not a chemosensitive tumor; therefore, chemotherapy has no role in its management. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Origin:** Sphenopalatine foramen (specifically the posterior end of the middle turbinate). * **Classic Triad:** Adolescent male + Profuse recurrent epistaxis + Nasal obstruction. * **Holman-Miller Sign (Antral Sign):** Anterior bowing of the posterior wall of the maxillary sinus seen on CT/MRI (Pathognomonic). * **Diagnosis:** Contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) is the investigation of choice. **Biopsy is strictly contraindicated** due to the risk of torrential hemorrhage. * **Classification:** Radkowski or Fisch classifications are used to stage the tumor.

Question 102: Gillette's space is:

A. Retropharyngeal space (Correct Answer)
B. Peritonsillar space
C. Parapharyngeal space
D. Prelaryngeal space

Explanation: **Explanation:** **Gillette’s space** is the anatomical synonym for the **Retropharyngeal space**. It is a potential space located behind the pharynx, bounded anteriorly by the buccopharyngeal fascia and posteriorly by the prevertebral fascia. It extends from the base of the skull down to the superior mediastinum (bifurcation of the trachea). **Why Option A is correct:** The retropharyngeal space contains the **Nodes of Rouviere** (lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes). In children, these nodes can become infected following an upper respiratory tract infection, leading to a **Retropharyngeal Abscess**. This space is clinically significant because infections here can track down into the mediastinum, causing life-threatening mediastinitis. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **B. Peritonsillar space:** Also known as the "potential space" between the tonsillar capsule and the superior constrictor muscle. Infection here leads to Quinsy. * **C. Parapharyngeal space:** A cone-shaped space lateral to the pharynx (also called the pharyngomaxillary space). It is famous for its "inverted pyramid" shape and contains the carotid sheath. * **D. Prelaryngeal space:** Located anterior to the larynx, containing the pre-laryngeal (Delphian) lymph nodes. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **The "Danger Space":** Located behind the retropharyngeal space (between the alar and prevertebral fascia). It is called "danger" because it extends all the way down to the **diaphragm**, allowing rapid spread of infection. * **Retropharyngeal Abscess Presentation:** Usually seen in children under 5 years. On X-ray lateral view of the neck, there is widening of the prevertebral soft tissue shadow (normally <7mm at C2 and <14mm at C6 in children). * **Nodes of Rouviere:** These nodes typically atrophy by the age of 6, which is why acute retropharyngeal abscesses are rare in adults.

Question 103: Luschka's tonsil is also known as what?

A. Adenoids (Correct Answer)
B. Palatine Tonsil
C. Lingual Tonsil
D. Gerlach's Tonsil

Explanation: **Explanation:** **Luschka’s tonsil** is the eponymous name for the **Adenoids** (Nasopharyngeal tonsil). It is a subepithelial collection of lymphoid tissue located at the junction of the roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx. It forms the superior-most component of **Waldeyer’s ring**, a protective ring of lymphoid tissue at the entrance of the aerodigestive tract. **Analysis of Options:** * **A. Adenoids (Correct):** Named after Hubert von Luschka, this structure is covered by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium. Unlike palatine tonsils, adenoids do not have crypts but rather vertical folds. * **B. Palatine Tonsil:** These are the "faucial tonsils" located in the oropharynx between the palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal arches. They are the most common site of tonsillitis. * **C. Lingual Tonsil:** This refers to the collection of lymphoid tissue located on the posterior one-third of the tongue. * **D. Gerlach’s Tonsil:** Also known as the **Tubal tonsil**, this lymphoid tissue is located in the Fossa of Rosenmüller, specifically around the opening of the Eustachian tube. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Physiological Hypertrophy:** Adenoids are present at birth, show physiological enlargement until age 6–7, and usually atrophy by puberty. * **Adenoid Facies:** Characterized by an open mouth, elongated face, high-arched palate, and crowded teeth due to chronic mouth breathing. * **Clinical Association:** Adenoid hypertrophy is a leading cause of **Otitis Media with Effusion (Glue Ear)** in children due to Eustachian tube obstruction. * **Investigation of Choice:** X-ray soft tissue nasopharynx (lateral view) shows narrowing of the nasopharyngeal airway.

Question 104: What is the most common organism causing upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in adults?

A. Haemophilus influenzae
B. Staphylococcus aureus
C. Streptococcus pneumoniae
D. Streptococcus pyogenes (Correct Answer)

Explanation: **Explanation:** The correct answer is **Streptococcus pyogenes** (Group A Beta-Hemolytic Streptococcus or GABHS). **Why Streptococcus pyogenes is correct:** While the vast majority of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) are viral in origin (e.g., Rhinoviruses, Coronaviruses), among **bacterial** causes, *Streptococcus pyogenes* is the most common pathogen isolated in cases of acute pharyngitis and tonsillitis in adults. It is the primary bacterial agent responsible for the clinical symptoms of "strep throat," characterized by fever, sore throat, and cervical lymphadenopathy. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **A. Haemophilus influenzae:** While a common cause of epiglottitis and acute otitis media, it is less frequently the primary cause of generalized URTI/pharyngitis in adults compared to GABHS. * **B. Staphylococcus aureus:** This organism is more commonly associated with skin infections or secondary bacterial pneumonia. It is rarely a primary cause of acute pharyngitis. * **C. Streptococcus pneumoniae:** This is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and acute otitis media, but it is not the leading cause of pharyngeal URTIs. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Viral vs. Bacterial:** Remember that **Rhinovirus** is the overall most common cause of the "common cold." If the question specifies *bacterial* URTI or pharyngitis, GABHS is the top choice. * **Centor Criteria:** Used to clinically differentiate GABHS from viral pharyngitis (Tonsillar exudates, Tender anterior cervical nodes, History of fever, and Absence of cough). * **Complications:** Untreated *S. pyogenes* pharyngitis can lead to non-suppurative complications like **Rheumatic Fever** and **Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN)**. * **Drug of Choice:** Penicillin remains the treatment of choice for GABHS pharyngitis.

Question 105: Diverticulum through Killian's dehiscence is called:

A. Pharyngeal pouch (Correct Answer)
B. Palatine pouch
C. Esophageal pouch
D. None of the above

Explanation: **Explanation:** **1. Why the Correct Answer is Right:** A **Pharyngeal pouch** (also known as **Zenker’s Diverticulum**) is a pulsion diverticulum caused by the herniation of the pharyngeal mucosa through a weak area in the posterior wall of the lower pharynx [1]. This weak spot is known as **Killian’s dehiscence**, which is located between the two parts of the inferior constrictor muscle: the upper oblique fibers (**thyropharyngeus**) and the lower horizontal fibers (**cricopharyngeus**) [1]. It typically occurs due to neuromuscular incoordination where the cricopharyngeus fails to relax during swallowing, leading to increased intraluminal pressure. **2. Why the Incorrect Options are Wrong:** * **Palatine pouch:** This is not a recognized clinical entity in this context. The palatine tonsils are located in the oropharynx between the tonsillar pillars, but they do not form diverticula through muscular dehiscence. * **Esophageal pouch:** While Zenker’s is often mislabeled as an esophageal diverticulum, it is technically a **false diverticulum** of the pharynx because it originates above the upper esophageal sphincter. True esophageal pouches (like traction diverticula) occur lower in the mid-esophagus. **3. NEET-PG High-Yield Clinical Pearls:** * **Type:** It is a **pulsion diverticulum** and a **false diverticulum** (contains only mucosa and submucosa). * **Clinical Presentation:** Characterized by dysphagia, **halitosis** (due to fermenting food), and **regurgitation** of undigested food [2]. * **Boyce’s Sign:** A gurgling sound heard on pressing the swelling in the neck [2]. * **Investigation of Choice:** **Barium Swallow** (shows a retort-shaped sac) [2]. * **Treatment:** Small pouches may be treated with endoscopic Dohlman’s procedure (stapling); larger ones require external diverticulectomy with cricopharyngeal myotomy [2].

Question 106: What is the classification of keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx?

A. Type I (Correct Answer)
B. Type II
C. Type III
D. Type IV

Explanation: The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) into three distinct histological types based on the degree of differentiation and keratinization. **Explanation of the Correct Answer:** * **Type I (Keratinizing Squamous Cell Carcinoma):** This type shows definite evidence of keratinization with the presence of intercellular bridges and/or keratin pearls. It is the least common type globally but has the strongest association with **smoking and alcohol** rather than the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). It carries the **worst prognosis** because it is less radiosensitive compared to the other types. **Explanation of Incorrect Options:** * **Type II (Non-keratinizing Differentiated Carcinoma):** These cells show maturation and clear cell margins but lack overt keratinization. It has a moderate association with EBV. * **Type III (Non-keratinizing Undifferentiated Carcinoma):** Also known as **Lymphoepithelioma** (Schmincke's tumor). It is the most common type, has the strongest association with **EBV titers**, and despite being aggressive, it has the **best prognosis** due to its high sensitivity to radiotherapy. * **Type IV:** There is no "Type IV" in the standard WHO classification for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Most Common Site:** Fossa of Rosenmüller. * **Triad of Trotter:** Conductive hearing loss (Eustachian tube blockage), Palatal paralysis (CN X palsy), and Temporofacial neuralgia (CN V palsy). * **EBV Association:** Types II and III are strongly linked to EBV; Type I is not. * **Treatment of Choice:** Radiotherapy is the primary treatment for all stages of NPC (specifically IMRT). Chemotherapy is added for advanced stages.

Question 107: All are true about adenoids except?

A. Physiological growth upto 6 years
B. Crypta magna present (Correct Answer)
C. Present in nasopharynx
D. Supplied by facial artery

Explanation: ### Explanation The **adenoids** (nasopharyngeal tonsils) are a subepithelial collection of lymphoid tissue located at the junction of the roof and posterior wall of the nasopharynx. **Why "Crypta magna present" is the correct (False) statement:** The **Crypta magna** (or intratonsillar cleft) is a characteristic feature of the **palatine tonsils**, not the adenoids. While palatine tonsils have deep, branched crypts (about 12–15 in number), the adenoids have no true crypts. Instead, the surface of the adenoids is characterized by vertical folds or furrows. **Analysis of other options:** * **Physiological growth up to 6 years:** Adenoids are present at birth, undergo physiological hypertrophy until the age of 6–7 years, and then gradually atrophy, usually disappearing by puberty (age 14–15). * **Present in nasopharynx:** This is the anatomical location. They form the superior part of **Waldeyer’s ring**. * **Supplied by facial artery:** The blood supply of the adenoids is derived from the ascending palatine branch of the **facial artery**, the ascending pharyngeal artery, the pharyngeal branch of the maxillary artery, and the tonsillar branch of the facial artery. --- ### High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG * **Epithelium:** Adenoids are covered by **ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium** (respiratory epithelium), unlike palatine tonsils which have stratified squamous epithelium. * **Adenoid Facies:** Characterized by an open mouth, prominent incisors, high-arched palate, and a dull expression due to chronic nasal obstruction. * **Clinical Association:** Adenoid hypertrophy is a leading cause of **Otitis Media with Effusion (OME)** in children due to Eustachian tube blockage. * **Investigation of choice:** X-ray soft tissue nasopharynx (lateral view) shows narrowing of the nasopharyngeal airway.

Question 108: Which of the following statements about the palatine tonsil is incorrect?

A. Develops from the second pharyngeal pouch.
B. Its main blood supply is a branch of the facial artery.
C. It is covered by a fibrous capsule.
D. Inflammation can lead to referred ear pain via the glossopharyngeal nerve. (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ### Explanation The question asks for the **incorrect** statement regarding the palatine tonsil. However, based on anatomical and clinical facts, **Option D is actually a correct statement**, and all options provided (A, B, C, and D) are technically correct. In the context of NEET-PG, this is likely a "find the false statement" question where all options are high-yield facts. **1. Why Option D is Correct (The Mechanism):** Inflammation of the tonsils (tonsillitis) or post-tonsillectomy pain often leads to **referred otalgia** (ear pain). This occurs because the **Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)** provides sensory innervation to both the oropharynx (via the tonsillar plexus) and the middle ear (via Jacobson’s nerve). The brain misinterprets signals from the throat as coming from the ear. **2. Analysis of Other Options:** * **Option A (Correct):** The palatine tonsils develop from the endoderm of the **second pharyngeal pouch**. The ventral part of the pouch disappears, while the dorsal part forms the tonsillar fossa and epithelium. * **Option B (Correct):** The **tonsillar artery**, a branch of the **facial artery**, is the main vascular supply. It enters the tonsil by piercing the superior constrictor muscle. * **Option C (Correct):** The tonsil is covered on its deep aspect by a **fibrous capsule**, which is a specialized part of the pharyngobasilar fascia. This capsule provides a cleavage plane for dissection during tonsillectomy. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Most common vessel injured during tonsillectomy:** Paratonsillar vein (External Palatine Vein). * **Bed of the Tonsil:** Formed primarily by the Superior Constrictor and Styloglossus muscles. * **Quinsy (Peritonsillar Abscess):** Occurs in the potential space between the tonsillar capsule and the superior constrictor muscle. * **Killian's Dehiscence:** A weak area between the thyropharyngeus and cricopharyngeus parts of the inferior constrictor, the site for Zenker’s diverticulum.

Question 109: Which of the following is FALSE regarding Patterson-Kelly syndrome?

A. Iron deficiency anemia
B. Common in females
C. Associated with decreased TIBC (Correct Answer)
D. Common in females

Explanation: **Patterson-Kelly Syndrome** (also known as **Plummer-Vinson Syndrome**) is characterized by the classic triad of **Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)**, **Atrophic Glossitis**, and **Esophageal Webs**. ### **Explanation of Options:** * **Correct Answer (C): Associated with decreased TIBC** This statement is **FALSE**. In Iron Deficiency Anemia, serum iron levels are low, and the body compensates by increasing the production of Transferrin to bind more iron. Therefore, the **Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) is increased**, not decreased. A decreased TIBC is typically seen in Anemia of Chronic Disease or Hemochromatosis. * **Option A: Iron deficiency anemia** This is a core component of the syndrome. Patients present with microcytic hypochromic anemia, which is believed to be the primary factor leading to mucosal atrophy and web formation. * **Options B & D: Common in females** These statements are **TRUE**. The syndrome shows a strong predilection for middle-aged females (typically 40–70 years old). The repeated options in the question highlight its significant epidemiological association with the female gender. --- ### **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Clinical Presentation:** Dysphagia (painless, intermittent, and localized to the post-cricoid region), spoon-shaped nails (**Koilonychia**), and angular cheilitis. * **Site of Web:** Most commonly found in the **post-cricoid region** (upper esophagus). * **Diagnosis:** **Barium Swallow** is the investigation of choice to visualize the web (seen as a thin projection from the anterior wall). * **Malignant Potential:** It is considered a **precancerous condition**. It increases the risk of **Squamous Cell Carcinoma** of the post-cricoid region and esophagus. * **Treatment:** Iron supplementation (often resolves the dysphagia) and endoscopic dilatation if the web persists.

Question 110: Which of the following is NOT a cardinal sign of chronic tonsillitis?

A. Irwin Moore sign
B. Flushing of Anterior pillars
C. Upper deep cervical lymph nodes enlarged
D. Dull Tympanic membrane (Correct Answer)

Explanation: To diagnose **Chronic Tonsillitis**, clinicians look for specific local and regional signs. The correct answer is **D (Dull Tympanic membrane)** because it is a sign of Eustachian tube dysfunction or Otitis Media with Effusion (OME), not a cardinal sign of chronic tonsillar infection itself. ### Why the other options are Cardinal Signs: * **Irwin Moore Sign (Option A):** This refers to the expression of cheesy, foul-smelling material (pus or debris) from the crypts when pressure is applied to the anterior pillar. It is a hallmark of chronic follicular tonsillitis. * **Flushing of Anterior Pillars (Option B):** Chronic infection leads to persistent hyperemia (congestion) of the pillars surrounding the tonsils. This "flushing" or dusky redness is a key clinical indicator of chronic inflammation. * **Enlarged Upper Deep Cervical Lymph Nodes (Option C):** Specifically, the **Jugulodigastric node** is the "lymph node of the tonsil." Persistent enlargement and tenderness of these nodes are classic regional signs of chronic tonsillar sepsis. ### Why "Dull Tympanic Membrane" is the odd one out: While chronic tonsillitis can occasionally lead to Eustachian tube blockage due to edema or associated adenoid hypertrophy, a dull tympanic membrane is a primary sign of **Serous Otitis Media**. It is not considered a "cardinal sign" for the diagnosis of chronic tonsillitis. ### High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG: * **Jugulodigastric Node:** The most common node enlarged in tonsillitis; located below the angle of the mandible. * **Types of Chronic Tonsillitis:** Chronic follicular (debris in crypts), Chronic parenchymatous (enormous hypertrophy), and Chronic fibrotic (small, shrunken tonsils). * **Complication:** If a patient presents with trismus and a "hot potato voice," suspect **Peritonsillar Abscess (Quinsy)**, not just chronic tonsillitis.

Practice by Chapter

Pharyngitis

Practice Questions

Tonsillitis

Practice Questions

Peritonsillar Abscess

Practice Questions

Retropharyngeal Abscess

Practice Questions

Adenoid Hypertrophy

Practice Questions

Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Practice Questions

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Practice Questions

Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Practice Questions

Oropharyngeal Carcinoma

Practice Questions

Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma

Practice Questions

Dysphagia

Practice Questions

Globus Pharyngeus

Practice Questions

Want unlimited practice?

Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.

Start For Free