Neck Dissection Techniques — MCQs
N3a TNM staging of head and neck tumors (AJCC 8th edition) shows:
One of the most important complication of tracheostomy is:
Shrugging of shoulder following neck surgery is due to injury to:
You evaluate an 18 yrs old male who sustained a right sided cervical laceration during a gang fight. Which of the following is a relative rather than an absolute indication for neck exploration?
Which of these is the STRONGEST indication for giving adjuvant treatment in oral malignancy after resection and Modified Radical Neck Dissection (MRND)?
Treatment of resectable T4N0M0 stage of head and neck carcinoma is?
Supraomohyoid dissection is a type of?
Treatment of stage III carcinoma of oral tongue is:
Which of the following neck dissections is considered the most conservative?
A nerve injured during axillary lymph node dissection leads to loss of sensation in the medial side of the arm. Which nerve is injured?
Neck Dissection Techniques Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: N3a TNM staging of head and neck tumors (AJCC 8th edition) shows:
- A. Metastasis in a lymph node >6 cm (Correct Answer)
- B. Metastasis in lymph nodes >2 cm
- C. Metastasis in lymph nodes >5 cm
- D. None of the options
Explanation: ***Metastasis in a lymph node >6 cm*** - **N3a disease** in head and neck cancer staging (AJCC 8th edition) specifically refers to metastasis in a single lymph node larger than 6 cm in greatest dimension **without extranodal extension (ENE)**. - This applies to oral cavity, oropharynx (HPV-negative), hypopharynx, and larynx cancers. - **Note:** N3 staging also includes **N3b** (metastasis in any node with clinically overt ENE), but this question specifically asks about N3a criteria. *Metastasis in lymph nodes >2 cm* - Lymph nodes in the 2-3 cm range typically fall within **N1 or N2a categories**, depending on laterality and number of involved nodes. - **N3a disease** requires a single lymph node to exceed 6 cm in greatest dimension without ENE. *Metastasis in lymph nodes >5 cm* - A lymph node between 3-6 cm is usually classified as **N2 disease** (N2a if single ipsilateral ≤6 cm, N2b if multiple ipsilateral ≤6 cm, N2c if bilateral or contralateral ≤6 cm). - To be classified as **N3a**, the lymph node must be **>6 cm** without extranodal extension. *None of the options* - This option is incorrect because the first option accurately describes the size criterion for **N3a TNM staging** in head and neck tumors according to AJCC 8th edition guidelines. - While N3 staging has two subcategories (N3a and N3b), the size criterion of >6 cm correctly defines N3a disease.
Question 2: One of the most important complication of tracheostomy is:
- A. Hemorrhage
- B. Surgical emphysema
- C. Displacement of tube (Correct Answer)
- D. Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy
Explanation: ***Displacement of tube*** - **Accidental decannulation** or displacement of the tracheostomy tube is considered one of the most serious and common complications, particularly in the immediate post-operative period. - This can lead to **loss of airway**, requiring immediate intervention to prevent severe hypoxia and potential brain injury or death. *Hemorrhage* - While hemorrhage can occur during or after tracheostomy, it is often a concern during the procedure or in the immediate postoperative period and is usually managed effectively. - Significant, life-threatening hemorrhage such as **tracheo-innominate fistula** is a rare but severe complication. *Surgical emphysema* - Surgical emphysema (subcutaneous emphysema) is a relatively common but usually benign complication that occurs when air leaks from the trachea into the subcutaneous tissues. - It typically resolves spontaneously and rarely poses a direct threat to the airway unless severe and rapidly progressive. *Recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy* - **Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury** is a rare complication of tracheostomy, as the nerve is usually well clear of the incision site in the neck. - While it can cause hoarseness or vocal cord paralysis, it typically does not present an immediate life-threatening situation or emergency comparable to airway compromise.
Question 3: Shrugging of shoulder following neck surgery is due to injury to:
- A. Vagus nerve
- B. Spinal accessory nerve (Correct Answer)
- C. Thoracodorsal nerve
- D. Bell's nerve
Explanation: Spinal accessory nerve - Injury to the spinal accessory nerve (cranial nerve XI) can lead to weakness or paralysis of the trapezius muscle, which is responsible for shrugging the shoulder. - Due to its superficial course in the posterior cervical triangle, it is vulnerable to iatrogenic injury during neck surgery, lymph node biopsies, or neck dissections. Thoracodorsal nerve - The thoracodorsal nerve innervates the latissimus dorsi muscle, which is involved in adduction, extension, and internal rotation of the arm [1]. - Injury to this nerve would primarily affect these arm movements, not shoulder shrugging. Bell's nerve - This term is often used to refer to the long thoracic nerve (nerve to serratus anterior). - Injury to the long thoracic nerve leads to scapular winging due to serratus anterior paralysis, but not directly to impaired shoulder shrugging. Vagus nerve - The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) has widespread functions including innervation of the pharynx, larynx, and thoracic/abdominal viscera. - Injury to the vagus nerve typically causes symptoms like dysphagia, hoarseness, or autonomic dysfunction, unrelated to shoulder movement.
Question 4: You evaluate an 18 yrs old male who sustained a right sided cervical laceration during a gang fight. Which of the following is a relative rather than an absolute indication for neck exploration?
- A. Dysphonia
- B. Expanding hematoma
- C. Pneumothorax (Correct Answer)
- D. Dysphagia
Explanation: ***Pneumothorax*** - A pneumothorax, while concerning, can often be managed with a **chest tube** insertion without immediate surgical exploration, making it a relative indication. - Its presence suggests potential compromise to structures in the neck/chest but doesn't always mandate direct surgical wound exploration as a first step. *Dysphonia* - **Hoarseness or difficulty speaking** after a neck injury suggests potential direct laryngeal, tracheal, or recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, warranting exploration to assess and repair. - This symptom implies a direct compromise of the **airway or critical nerves**, making exploration more immediate. *Expanding hematoma* - An **expanding hematoma** indicates active, potentially life-threatening bleeding and/or mass effect, which can compromise the airway or blood supply to the brain. - This is an **absolute indication for immediate surgical exploration** to control hemorrhage and prevent airway obstruction. *Dysphagia* - **Difficulty swallowing** post-neck trauma suggests injury to the pharynx or esophagus. - Such injuries carry a significant risk of **mediastinitis** or sepsis if not promptly identified and repaired via surgical exploration.
Question 5: Which of these is the STRONGEST indication for giving adjuvant treatment in oral malignancy after resection and Modified Radical Neck Dissection (MRND)?
- A. Extranodal extension (Correct Answer)
- B. Multiple lymph node metastasis
- C. T3 tumor
- D. Close margin
Explanation: ***Extranodal extension*** - **Extranodal extension (ENE)** is the strongest adverse pathological feature (APF) indicating the highest risk of recurrence and significantly impacting prognosis. - ENE is associated with increased likelihood of regional and distant metastasis. - The presence of ENE mandates **adjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy** (not radiotherapy alone), as landmark trials (EORTC 22931, RTOG 9501) demonstrated survival benefit with combined modality treatment. - ENE and positive surgical margins are the two most critical features requiring intensified adjuvant therapy. *Multiple lymph node metastasis* - Multiple positive lymph nodes (≥2 nodes) indicate high risk of recurrence and warrant **adjuvant radiotherapy**. - While this is a significant adverse feature, it does not mandate chemoradiotherapy unless accompanied by ENE or positive margins. - Considered a high-risk feature but not as strong an indication as ENE. *T3 tumor* - T3 tumor indicates significant local invasion but is a clinical staging parameter, not a pathological adverse feature. - The decision for adjuvant therapy depends primarily on pathological findings (margins, lymph node status, ENE) rather than T-stage alone. - T3 status without adverse pathological features may not require adjuvant treatment after complete resection. *Close margin* - Close margin (tumor within 1-5 mm of resected edge) is a high-risk feature warranting **adjuvant radiotherapy** due to increased local recurrence risk. - However, it is less critical than ENE in terms of overall survival and regional control. - A **positive margin** (<1 mm or tumor at ink) would be equivalent to ENE as an indication for chemoradiotherapy, but a close margin typically requires radiotherapy alone.
Question 6: Treatment of resectable T4N0M0 stage of head and neck carcinoma is?
- A. Radiotherapy alone
- B. Surgery and Radiotherapy (Correct Answer)
- C. Chemoradiation
- D. Surgery alone
Explanation: ***Surgery and Radiotherapy*** - For **resectable T4N0M0 head and neck carcinoma**, the standard treatment is **surgical resection** of the primary tumor followed by **adjuvant radiotherapy**. - This approach achieves optimal **local control** for advanced primary tumors without nodal involvement. - **Adjuvant radiotherapy** is essential for T4 tumors due to high risk of microscopic residual disease and local recurrence. - Surgery allows for complete tumor removal with negative margins, while radiotherapy addresses subclinical disease. *Radiotherapy alone* - Radiotherapy alone is **insufficient as monotherapy** for T4 tumors due to the large tumor burden and extensive local invasion. - Single modality radiation cannot reliably achieve adequate tumor control for advanced primary lesions. - Generally reserved for early-stage disease or patients unfit for surgery. *Chemoradiation* - **Definitive chemoradiation** is an alternative for **unresectable T4 tumors** or when organ preservation is desired (e.g., laryngeal cancer). - For **resectable** T4N0M0 disease, surgery with adjuvant RT is preferred as it provides better local control and allows pathological staging. - Chemoradiation may be used postoperatively if high-risk features are found (positive margins, perineural invasion, extranodal extension). - In this **N0 case with resectable tumor**, upfront surgery is the preferred initial approach. *Surgery alone* - While surgical resection is crucial for T4 tumors, **surgery alone is inadequate** due to high risk of locoregional recurrence. - T4 classification indicates extensive local invasion, necessitating **adjuvant radiotherapy** to eradicate microscopic disease. - Combined modality treatment (surgery + RT) significantly improves local control and survival compared to surgery alone.
Question 7: Supraomohyoid dissection is a type of?
- A. Selective neck dissection (Correct Answer)
- B. Modified radical neck dissection
- C. Radical neck dissection
- D. Posterolateral dissection
Explanation: ***Selective neck dissection*** - **Supraomohyoid dissection** specifically refers to a type of selective neck dissection, characterized by the removal of lymph node levels **I, II, and III**. - This procedure is commonly performed for early-stage oral cavity cancers due to their typical lymphatic spread patterns. *Modified radical neck dissection* - This dissection preserves one or more **non-lymphatic structures** (e.g., sternocleidomastoid muscle, internal jugular vein, spinal accessory nerve) that are typically removed in a radical neck dissection. - It involves a broader range of lymph node levels (typically **I-V**) compared to a supraomohyoid dissection. *Radical neck dissection* - This is a more extensive procedure involving the removal of all lymph node groups (levels **I-V**), along with the **sternocleidomastoid muscle**, **internal jugular vein**, and **spinal accessory nerve**. - It is reserved for advanced neck disease due to its significant morbidity. *Posterolateral dissection* - **Posterolateral neck dissection** is a term not commonly used within the standard classification of neck dissections (radical, modified radical, selective). - Lymphatic dissection is typically categorized based on anatomical levels rather than a general directional term like posterolateral.
Question 8: Treatment of stage III carcinoma of oral tongue is:
- A. Wide excision
- B. Radiotherapy delivering 7000 cGy
- C. Wide excision with supraomohyoid neck dissection
- D. Wide excision with supraomohyoid neck dissection and post-operative radiotherapy (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Wide excision with supraomohyoid neck dissection and post-operative radiotherapy*** - For **Stage III carcinoma of the oral tongue**, combining **wide excision** of the primary tumor with a **supraomohyoid neck dissection** (for potential lymphatic spread) and **postoperative radiation therapy** is the standard of care for optimal outcomes. - This multimodal approach addresses both the primary tumor and regional nodal disease, reducing recurrence risk and improving survival in advanced stages. *Wide excision* - While essential for local control of the primary tumor, **wide excision alone** is insufficient for **Stage III disease** as it fails to address potential regional lymphatic involvement. - Stage III oral tongue carcinoma often indicates a higher likelihood of **nodal metastases**, which wide excision does not treat. *Radiotherapy delivering 7000 cGy* - **Radiotherapy** alone as a primary treatment for resectable Stage III oral tongue carcinoma is generally not the preferred approach. - While radiation is a crucial component, it is typically used **adjuvantly** to surgery, not as a sole definitive treatment for such advanced resectable tumors. *Wide excision with supraomohyoid neck dissection* - This combination effectively targets the **primary tumor** and potential **regional lymph node metastases** in the neck. - However, for **Stage III disease**, the risk factors for local or regional recurrence are significant enough to warrant **adjuvant postoperative radiotherapy** to sterilize any residual microscopic disease, making this option incomplete.
Question 9: Which of the following neck dissections is considered the most conservative?
- A. Supraomohyoid neck dissection (Correct Answer)
- B. Radical neck dissection
- C. Modified radical neck dissection
- D. All options are conservative.
Explanation: ***Supraomohyoid neck dissection*** - This dissection is highly **selective**, removing only lymph nodes from **levels I, II, and III**, which are the most superficial and anterior groups in the neck. - It preserves the **internal jugular vein**, spinal accessory nerve, and sternocleidomastoid muscle, minimizing functional and cosmetic morbidity. *Radical neck dissection* - This is the **most extensive** neck dissection, involving the removal of all lymph node levels (I-V), the **internal jugular vein**, the **spinal accessory nerve**, and the **sternocleidomastoid muscle**. - It is reserved for advanced cancers with extensive nodal involvement due to its significant associated morbidity and functional deficits. *Modified radical neck dissection* - This dissection removes lymph nodes in levels I-V but **spares at least one non-lymphatic structure**, such as the spinal accessory nerve, internal jugular vein, or sternocleidomastoid muscle. - While less radical than a full radical neck dissection, it is still more extensive than a supraomohyoid dissection as it targets a broader range of lymph node levels. *All options are conservative.* - This statement is incorrect because **radical neck dissection** is by definition the most extensive and least conservative surgical approach to neck nodal disease. - The different types of neck dissections represent a spectrum of extensiveness, with supraomohyoid being the most selective and conservative.
Question 10: A nerve injured during axillary lymph node dissection leads to loss of sensation in the medial side of the arm. Which nerve is injured?
- A. Long thoracic nerve
- B. Intercostobrachial nerve (Correct Answer)
- C. Medial pectoral nerve
- D. Accessory nerve
Explanation: ***Intercostobrachial nerve*** - The **intercostobrachial nerve** (T2) is the nerve most commonly injured during **axillary lymph node dissection** - It provides **sensory innervation to the medial side of the upper arm**, specifically the skin over the medial and posterior aspects of the arm [1] - This nerve arises from the **lateral cutaneous branch of the second intercostal nerve** and crosses the axilla to reach the arm [1] - Injury during axillary surgery results in **numbness or paresthesia** in the medial upper arm region, which is a well-recognized complication of breast cancer surgery with axillary node dissection [1] - Studies show **30-80% of patients** undergoing axillary dissection experience intercostobrachial nerve injury *Long thoracic nerve* - The **long thoracic nerve** (C5-C7) innervates the **serratus anterior muscle**, which is crucial for scapular protraction and rotation - Damage to this nerve causes **"winged scapula"**, where the scapula protrudes posteriorly - This is a **motor nerve**, not sensory, so injury does not result in sensory deficits in the arm *Medial pectoral nerve* - The **medial pectoral nerve** (C8-T1) primarily innervates the **pectoralis major** and **pectoralis minor** muscles [1] - This is a **motor nerve** playing a role in muscle function rather than sensation [1] - Injury would result in weakness of these muscles, not sensory loss *Accessory nerve* - The **accessory nerve** (cranial nerve XI) innervates the **sternocleidomastoid** and **trapezius muscles** - This nerve is located in the **posterior triangle of the neck**, not in the axilla - Injury would lead to weakness in shrugging the shoulders or turning the head, not sensory loss in the arm during axillary dissection
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