Head and Neck Surgery Practice Questions

Q: A patient presents with chronic sinusitis that is unresponsive to medical therapy. A CT scan reveals mucosal thickening and obstruction at the osteomeatal complex. What is the next best step in management?

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery. ***Functional endoscopic sinus surgery*** - When **chronic sinusitis** is unresponsive to maximal medical therapy and a CT scan reveals significant mucosal thickening and **osteomeatal complex obstruction**, **FESS** is the next best step. - This procedure aims to restore ventilation and drainage of the sinuses by removing diseased tissue and widening ostia, addressing the anatomical obstruction. *Continued medical therapy* - The question states the patient's **chronic sinusitis is unresponsive to medical therapy**, indicating that further continuation without other interventions would likely be ineffective. - While medical therapy is the initial approach, persistence with it alone after failure requires considering surgical options. *Maxillary sinus irrigation* - This procedure provides temporary relief by flushing out mucus but does not address the underlying anatomical **obstruction at the osteomeatal complex**, which is likely causing recurrent sinusitis. - It is generally considered less effective as a definitive treatment for chronic, obstructive sinusitis compared to surgical correction. *Referral for allergy testing* - While allergies can contribute to chronic rhinitis and sinusitis, this patient has clearly defined anatomical obstruction and mucosal changes visible on CT, indicating a need for intervention beyond allergy management. - Allergy testing would be appropriate as part of a comprehensive workup but is not the **"next best step"** when surgical intervention for a structural problem is indicated.

Q: A 55-year-old female presents with a rapidly enlarging neck mass and stridor. Fine needle aspiration is inconclusive. What is the most appropriate next step?

Surgical excision biopsy. ***Surgical excision biopsy*** - A rapidly enlarging neck mass with **stridor** suggests an aggressive malignancy, and an **inconclusive FNA** necessitates a definitive tissue diagnosis. - An excisional biopsy provides the most comprehensive tissue sample for **histopathological analysis**, allowing for accurate staging and treatment planning. *Repeat fine needle aspiration* - Given the aggressive nature of the mass (rapid enlargement, stridor) and the previous **inconclusive FNA**, repeating the FNA is unlikely to yield a definitive diagnosis quickly enough. - The risk of **sampling error** remains, and delaying a definitive diagnosis could compromise patient outcomes. *Thyroid scan* - A thyroid scan assesses the functional status of thyroid nodules (hot vs. cold) but does not provide a definitive **histopathological diagnosis** for malignancy. - It is primarily used to evaluate **hyperthyroidism** or distinguish between different causes of thyroid nodules, not for rapidly growing, potentially malignant masses. *CT scan of the neck* - A CT scan can provide detailed anatomical information about the mass, its size, local invasion, and involvement of adjacent structures, which is useful for surgical planning. - However, it does not provide a **tissue diagnosis**, which is critical for determining the nature of the rapidly growing mass and guiding treatment.

Q: A 50-year-old female presents with a mass in the floor of the mouth. On examination, the mass is firm, non-tender, and there is no cervical lymphadenopathy. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Benign salivary gland tumor. ***Benign salivary gland tumor*** - A **firm, non-tender mass** in the floor of the mouth, without associated lymphadenopathy or systemic symptoms, is characteristic of a benign salivary gland tumor, such as a pleomorphic adenoma. - These tumors grow slowly and typically do not cause pain or inflammation unless they become very large or undergo malignant transformation. *Sialolithiasis* - This condition involves the formation of **stones in salivary ducts**, leading to pain and swelling, especially during eating. - It would typically present with **intermittent pain and swelling** related to meals, which is not mentioned in the presentation of a firm, non-tender mass. *Squamous cell carcinoma* - While possible in the oral cavity, **oral squamous cell carcinoma** often presents with ulceration, rapid growth, pain, and/or associated cervical lymphadenopathy. - The absence of these features (non-tender, no lymphadenopathy) makes it less likely, although biopsy is still crucial for definitive diagnosis. *Lymphoma* - Oral lymphoma can manifest as a mass, but it is often associated with **systemic symptoms** like fever, night sweats, and weight loss, or more diffuse swelling. - Lymphoma in the oral cavity is less common than salivary gland tumors and typically presents with a different clinical picture, often involving the palate or tonsils.

Q: A surgeon accidentally lacerates a nerve close to the angle of the mandible during a submandibular gland excision. Which nerve is at risk in this situation?

Facial nerve. ***Facial nerve*** - The **marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve** runs close to the inferior border of the mandible and can be injured during submandibular gland excision, especially towards the angle. - Laceration of this nerve would result in **paralysis of the muscles of the lower lip**, causing an asymmetric smile. *Lingual nerve* - The **lingual nerve** passes superior to the submandibular gland, close to its duct, and is at risk during removal of the gland or its duct. - Injury to the lingual nerve would typically cause **loss of general sensation** and **taste** to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. *Hypoglossal nerve* - The **hypoglossal nerve** innervates the intrinsic and most extrinsic muscles of the tongue, lying deeper and inferior to the submandibular gland. - Damage to this nerve causes **tongue deviation** towards the injured side upon protrusion and difficulty with speech and swallowing. *Glossopharyngeal nerve* - The **glossopharyngeal nerve** (CN IX) lies much deeper in the neck, supplying the stylopharyngeus muscle, parotid gland, and sensation to the posterior tongue and pharynx. - It is generally not at direct risk during a submandibular gland excision, as it is located far from this surgical field.

Q: A patient with a pituitary tumor undergoes transsphenoidal surgery for tumor resection. Which anatomical structure serves as the surgical access route in this procedure?

Sphenoid sinus. ***Sphenoid sinus*** - The **transsphenoidal approach** uses the sphenoid sinus as the **key surgical corridor** to access the pituitary gland located in the sella turcica. - This method is preferred for pituitary tumors due to its **minimal invasiveness** and reduced risk of damage to surrounding brain structures. - The sphenoid sinus provides **direct posterior access** to the sellar floor, making it the critical anatomical landmark for this procedure. *Nasal septum* - The **nasal septum** is incised or displaced during the initial stages to reach the sphenoid sinus. - While it is traversed during the approach, it serves as an **entry pathway** rather than the definitive surgical corridor to the pituitary gland. - The septum is part of the route but not the structure that provides direct access to the sella turcica. *Maxillary sinus* - The **maxillary sinus** is located in the maxilla and is not in the direct line of access to the pituitary gland via a transsphenoidal approach. - It is typically approached for conditions like sinusitis or tumors originating within the sinus itself, not for pituitary lesions. *Ethmoid sinus* - The **ethmoid sinus** lies anterior and superior to the sphenoid sinus, forming part of the orbit and the roof of the nasal cavity. - While it can be traversed in some extended endoscopic skull base approaches, it is not the primary or most direct route to the pituitary gland for standard transsphenoidal surgery.

Q: A 60-year-old man presents with painless, progressive enlargement of the parotid gland. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Parotid gland tumor. ***Parotid gland tumor*** - A **painless, progressive enlargement** of the parotid gland, especially in an older individual, is highly suspicious for a **parotid gland tumor**. - Tumors of the parotid gland can be benign (e.g., pleomorphic adenoma) or malignant (e.g., mucoepidermoid carcinoma), but the key presentation is a **gradual, asymptomatic increase in size**. *Parotitis* - **Parotitis** typically presents with **acute pain, tenderness, and swelling** of the parotid gland, often accompanied by fever and malaise. - It is an inflammatory condition, usually bacterial or viral, and not characterized by a painless, progressive enlargement. *Sialolithiasis* - **Sialolithiasis** (salivary gland stones) usually causes intermittent, **painful swelling of the gland, especially during meals**, due to obstruction of saliva flow. - The pain and swelling are typically episodic and related to eating, which is not described in this case. *Mumps* - **Mumps** is a viral infection that causes **acute, painful swelling of the parotid glands**, usually bilateral, along with fever, headache, and fatigue. - It is more common in children and vaccinated adults can still get mild forms, but the presentation is acute and inflammatory, not painless and progressive.

Q: A middle-aged man with a swelling over the neck since childhood with the overlying skin not intact which had a bag or worm-like appearance with a black spot in the middle. What will be the diagnosis?

Plexiform neurofibroma. ***Plexiform neurofibroma*** - The description of a "bag or worm-like appearance" (akin to a **bag of worms**) and a "black spot in the middle" (representing a dermal defect or associated nevus/hyperpigmentation) is classic for a **plexiform neurofibroma**. - This type of neurofibroma, often present since **childhood**, involves plexiform arrangements of nerves and can result in significant tissue distortion and overlying skin changes, characteristic of **Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)**. - The non-intact overlying skin with the pathognomonic appearance makes this diagnosis highly specific. *Carotid body tumor* - A carotid body tumor (paraganglioma) presents as a **pulsatile lateral neck mass** that moves side-to-side but not up-and-down (Fontaine sign). - It would not have a "bag of worms" texture or the characteristic skin changes with a black spot described in this case. - These are typically firm masses occurring in adults, not childhood-onset swellings. *Sebaceous cyst* - A sebaceous cyst is a **smooth, often freely mobile** subcutaneous lump with a central punctum, not typically presenting with a "bag of worms" texture. - It results from a blocked sebaceous gland and usually has a discrete, contained appearance without the plexiform pattern. - While present since childhood sometimes, it lacks the specific features described here. *Cystic hygroma* - A cystic hygroma (lymphangioma) presents as a **soft, brilliantly transilluminant mass** typically in the posterior triangle of the neck. - It is usually diagnosed in infancy or early childhood and is compressible but smooth, not having a "bag of worms" appearance. - It does not typically have associated skin changes like a black spot or the characteristic texture of plexiform neurofibroma.

Q: What is the most likely diagnosis for the parotid mass with mixed consistency shown in the image?

Pleomorphic adenoma. ***Pleomorphic adenoma*** - The **mixed consistency** of the parotid mass indicates a **benign tumor**, predominantly of epithelial and mesenchymal origin, typical of pleomorphic adenomas. - This type of tumor is usually **pain-free** and can exhibit a **soft** and **firm** texture on examination [1]. *Sebaceous cyst* - Typically presents as a **smooth, fluctuant nodule** and usually has a **firm consistency** rather than mixed. - Generally not seen as a parotid mass; usually found on the skin in areas with sebaceous glands. *Dermoid cyst* - Generally presents as a **well-defined, soft, and mobile mass**, not commonly associated with mixed consistency. - Often contains **keratin** and has a more homogenous consistency rather than the mixed characteristics of pleomorphic adenoma. *All* - As not all options are suitable for the description of a **mixed consistency parotid mass**, this option is incorrect. - Only **pleomorphic adenoma** aligns with the specific clinical presentation detailed in the question [1]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Head and Neck, pp. 751-753.

Q: Burr hole is done for -

Chronic subdural hematoma (SDH). ***Chronic subdural hematoma (SDH)*** - Burr hole drainage is a standard and effective procedure for **chronic subdural hematomas**, especially in elderly patients, allowing the evacuation of encapsulated fluid. - The procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, offering a less invasive approach for chronic collections. *Acute subdural hematoma (SDH)* - Acute SDH typically requires a **craniotomy** for rapid and complete evacuation of the dense, clotted blood, due to its emergent nature and potential for rapid neurological deterioration. - Burr holes are generally insufficient for evacuating large, clotted acute hematomas because the blood is too thick to drain effectively. *Intracerebral abscess* - An intracerebral abscess usually requires either a **craniotomy with excision** or frameless stereotactic aspiration for drainage, to completely remove the abscess capsule and its contents. - Burr holes alone might be used for diagnostic aspiration but are usually inadequate for definitive treatment of an abscess due to the need for thorough evacuation and sometimes decapsulation. *Hydrocephalus* - Hydrocephalus, an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid, is typically treated by inserting a **shunt system** (e.g., ventriculoperitoneal shunt) to divert the fluid from the brain to another body cavity. - While a burr hole is made to access the ventricle for shunt placement, it is not the definitive treatment for hydrocephalus itself; rather, it's a step in a more complex procedure.

Question 1

A patient presents with chronic sinusitis that is unresponsive to medical therapy. A CT scan reveals mucosal thickening and obstruction at the osteomeatal complex. What is the next best step in management?

Accepted Answer

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Answer

Continued medical therapy

Answer

Maxillary sinus irrigation

Answer

Referral for allergy testing

Question 2

A 55-year-old female presents with a rapidly enlarging neck mass and stridor. Fine needle aspiration is inconclusive. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Surgical excision biopsy

Answer

Repeat fine needle aspiration

Answer

Thyroid scan

Answer

CT scan of the neck

Question 3

A 50-year-old female presents with a mass in the floor of the mouth. On examination, the mass is firm, non-tender, and there is no cervical lymphadenopathy. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Benign salivary gland tumor

Answer

Sialolithiasis

Answer

Squamous cell carcinoma

Answer

Lymphoma

Question 4

A surgeon accidentally lacerates a nerve close to the angle of the mandible during a submandibular gland excision. Which nerve is at risk in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve

Answer

Lingual nerve

Answer

Hypoglossal nerve

Answer

Glossopharyngeal nerve

Question 5

A patient with a pituitary tumor undergoes transsphenoidal surgery for tumor resection. Which anatomical structure serves as the surgical access route in this procedure?

Accepted Answer

Sphenoid sinus

Answer

Nasal septum

Answer

Maxillary sinus

Answer

Ethmoid sinus

Question 6

A 60-year-old man presents with painless, progressive enlargement of the parotid gland. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Parotid gland tumor

Answer

Parotitis

Answer

Sialolithiasis

Answer

Mumps

Question 7

A middle-aged man with a swelling over the neck since childhood with the overlying skin not intact which had a bag or worm-like appearance with a black spot in the middle. What will be the diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Plexiform neurofibroma

Answer

Sebaceous cyst

Answer

Carotid body tumor

Answer

Cystic hygroma

Question 8

What is the most likely diagnosis for the parotid mass with mixed consistency shown in the image?

Accepted Answer

Pleomorphic adenoma

Answer

Sebaceous cyst

Answer

Dermoid cyst

Answer

None of the options

Question 9

Preferred treatment for oral tongue carcinoma which infiltrates the local cortical bone is -

Accepted Answer

Subtotal glossectomy + selective neck dissection + mandibulectomy

Answer

Subtotal glossectomy alone

Answer

Subtotal glossectomy with selective neck dissection only

Answer

Total glossectomy with selective neck dissection and mandibulectomy

Question 10

Burr hole is done for -

Accepted Answer

Chronic subdural hematoma (SDH)

Answer

Intracerebral abscess

Answer

Hydrocephalus

Answer

Acute subdural hematoma (SDH)

Head and Neck Surgery — MCQs

Head and Neck Surgery — MCQs

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