Head and Neck Surgery Practice Questions

Q: A cystic, painless swelling along the upper border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle is most likely to be:

Branchial cyst. **Explanation:** The correct answer is **Branchial cyst**. This diagnosis is based on the classic anatomical location and clinical presentation. **1. Why Branchial Cyst is Correct:** A branchial cyst (specifically from the **second branchial cleft**, which accounts for 95% of cases) typically presents in young adults as a smooth, painless, fluctuant swelling. Its hallmark location is at the **junction of the upper one-third and middle one-third of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle**, along its anterior border. It is often lined by squamous epithelium and contains "glairy" fluid rich in **cholesterol crystals**. **2. Why Other Options are Incorrect:** * **Thyroglossal cyst:** These are typically **midline** swellings (near the hyoid bone) that characteristically **move upward on protrusion of the tongue** and deglutition. * **Cystic hygroma:** This is a congenital lymphatic malformation usually seen in infants. It most commonly occurs in the **posterior triangle** of the neck, is brilliantly **transilluminant**, and has poorly defined margins (unlike the well-defined branchial cyst). * **Branchial fistula:** While related to branchial apparatus defects, a fistula is a tract with an external opening (usually at the lower third of the SCM) that discharges mucus; it is not a discrete cystic swelling. **Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Most common site:** Second branchial cleft (95%). * **Pathognomonic finding:** Presence of cholesterol crystals in the aspirated fluid. * **Differential Diagnosis:** Always rule out a "Cold Abscess" (tuberculous lymphadenitis) or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in older patients presenting with a similar mass. * **Treatment:** Complete surgical excision (Sistrunk procedure is for thyroglossal cysts, not branchial cysts).

Q: All of the following features about ranula are true EXCEPT?

Mucous extravasation cyst of a minor salivary gland. ### Explanation **1. Why Option A is the Correct Answer (The "Except" Statement):** A **Ranula** is a mucous extravasation cyst that specifically arises from the **sublingual gland** (a major salivary gland), not a minor salivary gland. While minor salivary glands can cause *mucoceles* (commonly on the lower lip), a ranula is clinically defined by its location in the floor of the mouth, typically resulting from trauma or obstruction of the **Ducts of Rivinus** or the **Bartholin duct** of the sublingual gland. **2. Analysis of Other Options:** * **Option B (May resolve spontaneously):** Small, superficial ranulas can occasionally rupture and resolve on their own, although recurrence is common. * **Option C (Surgical excision is preferred):** The definitive treatment for a ranula is the **surgical excision of the sublingual gland** along with the cyst. Simple cystectomy alone has a high failure rate because the source of the mucus (the gland) remains. * **Option D (I&D results in recurrence):** Simple incision and drainage (I&D) or aspiration provides only temporary relief. The secretory pressure of the sublingual gland almost always causes the cyst to refill, leading to a near 100% recurrence rate. **3. Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Plunging Ranula:** A clinical variant where the mucus extravasates through or around the **mylohyoid muscle** into the submandibular space, presenting as a neck swelling. * **Appearance:** Classically described as a "blue, translucent, frog-belly-like" swelling in the floor of the mouth. * **Treatment of Choice:** Excision of the sublingual gland (via intraoral approach for simple ranula; may require a combined approach for plunging ranula). **Marsupialization** is an alternative but has a higher recurrence rate than gland excision.

Q: At what age is cleft lip surgery earliest performed?

3 months. The timing for cleft lip repair is primarily guided by the **"Rule of 10s,"** a classic surgical guideline used to ensure the infant is physiologically mature enough to tolerate general anesthesia and that the tissues are robust enough for a tension-free repair. ### Why 3 Months is Correct According to the **Rule of 10s** (proposed by Wilhelmmesen and Musgrave), surgery is ideally performed when the infant meets the following criteria: * **Age:** At least 10 weeks (approx. **3 months**). * **Weight:** At least 10 pounds. * **Hemoglobin:** At least 10 g/dL. * **WBC Count:** Less than 10,000/mm³. At 3 months, the lip elements are larger, allowing for a more precise anatomical reconstruction (e.g., Millard’s Rotation-Advancement flap), while still being early enough to facilitate better bonding and feeding. ### Why Other Options are Incorrect * **6 Months:** While surgery can be performed at this age, it is not the *earliest* recommended time. Delaying to 6 months may lead to parental anxiety and does not offer significant surgical advantages over 3 months. * **9–12 Months:** These ages are typically reserved for **Cleft Palate repair** (usually performed between 6–12 months). Performing a lip repair this late is unnecessary and can interfere with early speech development and social integration. ### High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG * **Sequence of Repair:** Lip first (3 months), then Palate (6–12 months). * **Most Common Technique:** Millard’s Rotation-Advancement Flap (for unilateral cleft lip). * **Cleft Palate Timing:** Must be repaired before the child starts speaking to prevent compensatory articulation errors and velopharyngeal insufficiency. * **Associated Syndrome:** Van der Woude Syndrome is the most common syndromic cause of cleft lip/palate (look for lower lip pits).

Q: Which salivary gland neoplasm characteristically spreads perineurally along the cranial nerves?

Adenoid cystic carcinoma. **Explanation:** **Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC)** is the correct answer because it is notorious for its **neurotropic nature**. It characteristically exhibits **perineural invasion (PNI)**, where tumor cells infiltrate the space surrounding nerves. This property explains why patients often present with early-onset pain or cranial nerve palsies (e.g., facial nerve weakness in parotid tumors) and why the tumor has a high rate of local recurrence and "skip lesions" along nerve pathways. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Pleomorphic Adenoma:** This is the most common *benign* salivary gland tumor. While it can recur if the capsule is breached (enucleation), it does not exhibit perineural invasion. * **Acinic Cell Carcinoma:** This is a low-grade malignancy with a generally favorable prognosis. While it can spread locally, it does not have the characteristic affinity for nerves seen in ACC. * **Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma:** This is the most common *malignant* salivary gland tumor overall. While high-grade variants are aggressive, perineural spread is not its defining hallmark. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Most Common Site:** ACC is the most common malignant tumor of the **submandibular and minor salivary glands**. * **Histology:** Look for the classic **"Swiss-cheese" appearance** (Cribriform pattern), which is the most common histological subtype. * **Prognosis:** It is characterized by a slow-growing but relentless course. It has a high tendency for **late distant metastasis**, most commonly to the **lungs** (hematogenous spread). * **Management:** Treatment usually requires wide local excision followed by adjuvant radiotherapy due to the high risk of microscopic perineural spread.

Q: A 20-year-old female presents with a cystic swelling in the neck. The swelling moves superiorly when the tongue is protruded. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Thyroglossal duct cyst. **Explanation:** The clinical hallmark of a **Thyroglossal Duct Cyst (TGDC)** is a midline neck swelling that moves upward both on **deglutition (swallowing)** and on **protrusion of the tongue**. This occurs because the cyst is a remnant of the thyroglossal duct, which is embryologically connected to the foramen caecum at the base of the tongue. The duct usually passes through or is closely related to the hyoid bone; when the tongue is protruded, the genioglossus muscle pulls the hyoid bone and the attached duct upward, causing the cyst to rise. **Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Thyroid Swelling:** While thyroid swellings move with **deglutition** (due to their attachment to the pretracheal fascia), they **do not move with tongue protrusion** as they lack a direct anatomical connection to the base of the tongue. * **Sublingual Gland Swelling:** These are typically located in the floor of the mouth (sublingual space) and do not demonstrate movement related to the hyoid bone or tongue protrusion in the neck. * **Plunging Ranula:** This is a mucous extravasation cyst from the sublingual gland that herniates through the mylohyoid muscle into the submandibular space. It presents as a soft, fluctuant lateral neck swelling and does not move with tongue protrusion. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Sistrunk Operation:** The definitive surgical treatment for TGDC. It involves excision of the cyst, the entire tract, and the **central part of the hyoid bone** to prevent recurrence. * **Location:** Most common site is **infrahyoid** (80%), followed by the level of the hyoid bone. * **Ectopic Thyroid:** Always perform an ultrasound to confirm the presence of a normal thyroid gland before surgery, as the TGDC may contain the patient's only functioning thyroid tissue. * **Carcinoma:** The most common malignancy arising in a TGDC is **Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma**.

Q: Esthesio neuroblastoma arises from which cranial nerve?

Olfactory nerve. **Explanation:** **Esthesioneuroblastoma**, also known as **Olfactory Neuroblastoma**, is a rare malignant neuroectodermal tumor. **1. Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The tumor originates from the **olfactory neuroepithelium**, which lines the upper part of the nasal cavity, specifically the cribriform plate, superior turbinate, and the upper third of the nasal septum. This epithelium contains the bipolar sensory neurons of the **Olfactory nerve (Cranial Nerve I)**. Histologically, it is characterized by Small Round Blue Cells and the presence of **Homer-Wright rosettes**, confirming its neural crest origin. **2. Why the Incorrect Options are Wrong:** * **Maxillary nerve (V2):** This is a sensory branch of the Trigeminal nerve supplying the mid-face and upper teeth. While tumors in the maxillary sinus can occur, they are typically squamous cell carcinomas, not neuroblastomas. * **Ophthalmic nerve (V1):** This branch supplies the forehead, eyes, and nose. It does not contain the specialized neuroepithelium required for esthesioneuroblastoma. * **Nasociliary nerve:** A branch of the Ophthalmic nerve (V1), it provides sensory innervation to the ethmoid sinuses and cornea but is not the site of origin for this specific neurogenic tumor. **3. NEET-PG High-Yield Clinical Pearls:** * **Bimodal Age Distribution:** Peaks at 10–20 years and 50–60 years. * **Clinical Presentation:** Most common symptoms are unilateral nasal obstruction and epistaxis. * **Kadish Staging:** Used specifically for this tumor (Stage A: Nasal cavity; Stage B: Paranasal sinuses; Stage C: Beyond sinuses). * **Radiology:** Classically shows a "dumbbell-shaped" mass expanding through the cribriform plate. * **Pathology Marker:** Strongly positive for **S-100** (at the periphery of nests) and **Synaptophysin**.

Q: Injury to the auriculotemporal nerve during parotid tumour removal can result in which of the following?

Gustatory sweating. ### Explanation **Correct Answer: C. Gustatory sweating (Frey’s Syndrome)** The **auriculotemporal nerve** (a branch of the Mandibular nerve, V3) carries two types of fibers to the parotid region: 1. **Parasympathetic fibers:** Secretomotor to the parotid gland. 2. **Sympathetic fibers:** Sudomotor to the sweat glands and vasomotor to the overlying skin. During parotidectomy, the auriculotemporal nerve is often injured. During the regeneration process, the **parasympathetic fibers** (originally intended for the parotid) misdirect and grow into the distal sheaths of the **sympathetic fibers** supplying the sweat glands. Consequently, a stimulus that normally triggers salivation (the sight or smell of food) instead causes localized sweating and flushing in the pre-auricular area. This phenomenon is known as **Frey’s Syndrome**. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **A. Facial paralysis:** This results from injury to the **Facial nerve (CN VII)**, which passes through the substance of the parotid gland but does not mediate gustatory sweating. * **B. Trigeminal neuralgia:** This is a chronic pain condition characterized by sudden, severe facial pain, usually idiopathic or due to vascular compression of the nerve root, not surgical trauma to terminal branches. * **D. Orolingual paraesthesia:** This would involve injury to the **Lingual nerve**, which provides sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Diagnosis:** Confirmed by the **Minor’s Starch-Iodine Test** (iodine turns blue/black in the presence of sweat and starch). * **Prevention:** Interposition of barriers like the **SMAS flap** or **Acellular Dermal Matrix** during surgery. * **Treatment:** Topical **Anticholinergics** (Glycopyrrolate) or **Botulinum toxin (Botox)** injections are the most effective modern treatments.

Q: The parotid duct is also known as which of the following?

Stensen's duct. The **Stensen’s duct** is the excretory duct of the parotid gland. It is approximately 5 cm long, emerging from the anterior border of the gland. It runs superficial to the masseter muscle and pierces the **buccinator muscle** to open into the oral cavity vestibule opposite the **crown of the second upper molar tooth**. ### Explanation of Options: * **Stensen’s duct (Correct):** Named after Nicolas Steno, this is the primary drainage pathway for the parotid gland. * **Wharton’s duct:** This is the excretory duct of the **submandibular gland**. It opens at the sublingual caruncle at the base of the frenulum of the tongue. * **Duct of Santorini:** This is the **accessory pancreatic duct**, which drains the upper part of the head of the pancreas into the minor duodenal papilla. * **Duct of Wirsung:** This is the **main pancreatic duct**, which joins the common bile duct to form the Ampulla of Vater, opening into the major duodenal papilla. ### High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG: 1. **Surface Anatomy:** The parotid duct corresponds to the middle third of a line drawn from the tragus of the ear to the midpoint of the philtrum. 2. **Structures Pierced:** To enter the mouth, the duct pierces the buccal pad of fat, the pharyngobasilar fascia, and the **buccinator muscle**. 3. **Sialolithiasis:** While the submandibular gland (Wharton’s duct) is the most common site for stones due to its alkaline, calcium-rich, and viscous secretions, parotid stones can also occur. 4. **Mumps:** Viral parotitis often causes redness and swelling at the opening of Stensen’s duct.

Question 1

A cystic, painless swelling along the upper border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle is most likely to be:

Accepted Answer

Branchial cyst

Answer

Thyroglossal cyst

Answer

Cystic hygroma

Answer

Branchial fistula

Question 2

All of the following features about ranula are true EXCEPT?

Accepted Answer

Mucous extravasation cyst of a minor salivary gland

Answer

May resolve spontaneously

Answer

Surgical excision of the cyst is the preferred treatment

Answer

Incision and drainage usually results in recurrence

Question 3

Which statement regarding Frey's Syndrome is FALSE?

Accepted Answer

It results from injury to post-ganglionic sympathetic fibers carried by the auriculotemporal nerve.

Answer

It is characterized by gustatory sweating.

Answer

It has fewer chances of occurrence after enucleation of a lesion compared to parotidectomy.

Answer

Treatment can involve Botulinum Toxin injection.

Question 4

At what age is cleft lip surgery earliest performed?

Accepted Answer

3 months

Answer

6 months

Answer

9 months

Answer

12 months

Question 5

Which salivary gland neoplasm characteristically spreads perineurally along the cranial nerves?

Accepted Answer

Adenoid cystic carcinoma

Answer

Pleomorphic adenoma

Answer

Acinic cell carcinoma

Answer

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Question 6

A 20-year-old female presents with a cystic swelling in the neck. The swelling moves superiorly when the tongue is protruded. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Thyroglossal duct cyst

Answer

Thyroid swelling

Answer

Sublingual gland swelling

Answer

Plunging ranula

Question 7

What is the recommended treatment for a pleomorphic adenoma limited to the superficial lobe without facial nerve infiltration?

Accepted Answer

Superficial parotidectomy

Answer

Total parotidectomy

Answer

Parotidectomy followed by radiotherapy

Answer

Observation

Question 8

Esthesio neuroblastoma arises from which cranial nerve?

Accepted Answer

Olfactory nerve

Answer

Maxillary nerve

Answer

Ophthalmic nerve

Answer

Nasociliary nerve

Question 9

Injury to the auriculotemporal nerve during parotid tumour removal can result in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Gustatory sweating

Answer

Facial paralysis

Answer

Trigeminal neuralgia

Answer

Orolingual paraesthesia

Question 10

The parotid duct is also known as which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Stensen's duct

Answer

Wharton's duct

Answer

Duct of Santorini

Answer

Duct of Wirsung

Head and Neck Surgery — MCQs

Head and Neck Surgery — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?