Head and Neck Surgery — MCQs

Head and Neck Surgery Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 471: Which of the following stages of lip carcinoma does not have nodal involvement?

A. T2N1
B. T3N0 (Correct Answer)
C. T2N2
D. T1N1

Explanation: ***T3N0*** - The **'N' classification** in the TNM staging system refers to **nodal involvement**. A stage with **'N0' indicates no regional lymph node metastasis**. - A **T3 lesion** signifies a large primary tumor, but if it's accompanied by **N0**, it means there's no evidence of spread to the lymph nodes. *T2N1* - The **'N1' classification** indicates the presence of **regional lymph node metastasis**, specifically in a **single ipsilateral lymph node** that is 3 cm or less in its greatest dimension. - This stage therefore **does have nodal involvement**, contradicting the premise of the question. *T2N2* - The **'N2' classification** signifies more advanced regional lymph node metastasis, such as a **single ipsilateral lymph node** greater than 3 cm but not more than 6 cm. - It could also refer to **multiple ipsilateral lymph nodes**, none greater than 6 cm, or bilateral/contralateral lymph nodes, none greater than 6 cm. In all these cases, **nodal involvement is present**. *T1N1* - Similar to T2N1, the **'N1' component** in T1N1 indicates the presence of **regional lymph node metastasis** in a single ipsilateral lymph node of 3 cm or less. - Therefore, this stage **does involve nodal spread**, despite having a smaller primary tumor (T1).

Question 472: Which of the following statements about Branchial cysts is true:

A. 50-70% are seen in lungs
B. They are premalignant lesions
C. Infection is uncommon in branchial cysts
D. Most common site is lateral neck (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Most common site is lateral neck*** - **Branchial cleft cysts** typically present as a mass in the **lateral neck**, anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. - They are congenital anomalies resulting from incomplete obliteration of the branchial clefts during embryonic development. *50-70% are seen in lungs* - This statement is incorrect; branchial cysts are **cervical anomalous masses** arising from the branchial apparatus, not primarily found in the lungs. - Lung lesions are more commonly associated with congenital pulmonary airway malformations or bronchogenic cysts, which differ in origin. *They are premalignant lesions* - Branchial cysts are generally **benign lesions** and do not typically transform into malignancy. - While rare cases of carcinoma arising within a branchial cleft cyst have been reported, they are not considered routinely premalignant. *Infection is uncommon in branchial cysts* - Conversely, infection is a **common complication** of branchial cysts, often leading to sudden enlargement, pain, and erythema. - The presence of internal fluid and epithelial lining makes them susceptible to bacterial colonization and subsequent abscess formation.

Question 473: Which of the following cancers do not present with cervical lymph node involvement?

A. Papillary thyroid cancer
B. Oral cancer
C. Glottic Cancer (Correct Answer)
D. Subglottic Cancer

Explanation: ***Glottic Cancer*** - **Glottic cancers** rarely present with cervical lymph node involvement because the **vocal cords** have a sparse lymphatic drainage system. - This anatomical feature limits the early spread of cancer cells to regional lymph nodes, distinguishing it from other head and neck cancers. *Subglottic Cancer* - **Subglottic cancers** frequently metastasize to cervical lymph nodes, specifically the **paratracheal** and **prelaryngeal nodes**, due to a richer lymphatic network. - The disease often presents at a more advanced stage because symptoms may be subtle until significant tumor burden or nodal involvement occurs. *Papillary thyroid cancer* - **Papillary thyroid cancer** commonly metastasizes to the cervical lymph nodes, often presenting with palpable **lymphadenopathy** even with small primary tumors. - Lymphatic spread is a hallmark feature, and **central neck dissection** is frequently performed as part of the surgical treatment. *Oral cancer* - **Oral cancers** (e.g., squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, buccal mucosa) have a high propensity for early metastasis to **cervical lymph nodes**. - The rich lymphatic drainage of the oral cavity means that cervical lymph node involvement is a significant prognostic factor and is routinely assessed during staging.

Question 474: All of the following are indications for tracheostomy except ?

A. Coma after head injury
B. Maxillofacial injury
C. Bilateral abductor palsy
D. Superior laryngeal nerve palsy (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Superior laryngeal nerve palsy*** - While superior laryngeal nerve palsy can cause **hoarseness** and **dysphagia** due to impaired laryngeal sensation and cricothyroid muscle function, it typically does not directly lead to **airway obstruction** requiring a tracheostomy. - The primary concern with this condition is often **aspiration risk**, which is usually managed through compensatory swallowing techniques or dietary modifications, not surgical airway establishment. *Coma after head injury* - Patients in a **prolonged coma** or with severe **neurological impairment** often lose their protective airway reflexes (e.g., cough, gag reflex), increasing the risk of **aspiration** and making **pulmonary toilet** difficult. - A tracheostomy provides a secure, long-term airway for **ventilatory support**, suctioning, and protection against aspiration in these patients. *Maxillofacial injury* - Severe **maxillofacial trauma** can cause significant **airway obstruction** due to edema, hemorrhage, or anatomical disruption of the upper airway structures. - In such cases, a tracheostomy may be necessary to bypass the obstructed area and establish a **stable airway** for respiration. *Bilateral abductor palsy* - **Bilateral abductor palsy** results in failed abduction of both vocal cords, leading to a fixed, adducted position of the vocal cords that can cause severe or complete **airway obstruction**. - This condition is a direct and urgent indication for tracheostomy to ensure an **open airway**.

Question 475: What is the treatment of choice for Deviated Nasal Septum (DNS) in adults?

A. Medical management with decongestants
B. Observation
C. Turbinoplasty
D. Septoplasty (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Septoplasty*** - **Septoplasty** is the surgical procedure of choice to correct a deviated nasal septum by **realigning the cartilage and bone** in the septum. - It is performed to improve nasal airflow and address symptoms like **nasal obstruction** or recurrent sinusitis. *Medical management with decongestants* - **Decongestants** provide temporary relief from nasal congestion but do not correct the underlying **anatomical deviation** of the septum. - Prolonged use of decongestants can lead to **rhinitis medicamentosa**, a rebound congestion. *Observation* - **Observation** is not an appropriate long-term solution for symptomatic DNS as the **anatomical deviation** will persist and symptoms are unlikely to improve spontaneously. - Patients with significant symptoms impacting their quality of life require active intervention rather than just monitoring. *Turbinoplasty* - **Turbinoplasty** is a procedure to reduce the size of the **turbinates**, which are bony structures in the nasal cavity that can contribute to nasal obstruction. - While it can be performed concurrently with septoplasty, it does not correct the **deviated septum itself**.

Question 476: Which of the following statements is true about branchial cysts?

A. Branchial cysts are more common in males than females.
B. They mostly arise from the second branchial cleft. (Correct Answer)
C. Surgical intervention is not always necessary.
D. They can cause dysphagia and hoarseness if infected.

Explanation: ***They mostly arise from the second branchial cleft.*** - **Second branchial cleft cysts** are the most common type, accounting for approximately **95%** of all branchial anomalies. - They typically present as a smooth, fluctuant mass along the **anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle** at the junction of the upper and middle third of the neck. - These cysts result from **incomplete obliteration** of the second branchial cleft during embryonic development. *Branchial cysts are more common in males than females.* - Branchial cysts have **no significant sex predilection**, affecting males and females with roughly equal frequency. - The overall incidence is relatively rare, with most cases presenting in late childhood or early adulthood. *Surgical intervention is not always necessary.* - **Complete surgical excision** is the **definitive treatment** and is strongly recommended for all branchial cysts. - Indications for surgery include: prevention of **recurrent infections**, risk of **abscess formation**, elimination of cosmetic concerns, and removal due to potential (though rare) **malignant transformation**. - While very small asymptomatic cysts may occasionally be observed, this carries significant risk of future complications, making surgery the standard of care in clinical practice. *They can cause dysphagia and hoarseness if infected.* - While an **infected branchial cyst** causes local inflammatory signs (pain, swelling, warmth, erythema), it **rarely causes dysphagia or hoarseness** unless exceptionally large. - These symptoms would require the cyst to compress the **pharynx** (dysphagia) or involve the **recurrent laryngeal nerve** (hoarseness), which is uncommon even with infection. - The primary presentation of infected cysts includes **tender neck mass** with overlying skin changes and possible **abscess formation**.

Question 477: What causes Frey's syndrome?

A. Facial nerve damage.
B. Greater auricular nerve involvement.
C. Aberrant regeneration of parasympathetic fibers from the auriculotemporal nerve to sweat glands. (Correct Answer)
D. None of the options

Explanation: ***Aberrant regeneration of parasympathetic fibers from the auriculotemporal nerve to sweat glands.*** - Frey's syndrome, or **gustatory sweating**, occurs due to aberrant regeneration after parotid surgery or trauma where parasympathetic secretomotor fibers meant for the **parotid gland** (carried by the auriculotemporal nerve) incorrectly reinnervate **sweat glands and blood vessels** in the overlying skin. - This misdirection leads to **sweating and flushing** over the parotid region in response to gustatory stimuli (eating, thinking about food). - The auriculotemporal nerve is a branch of the **mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3)** that carries parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland. *Greater auricular nerve involvement.* - The greater auricular nerve is a sensory nerve (from C2-C3) that provides sensation to the **external ear** and skin over the parotid region. - Damage to this nerve causes **numbness** in its distribution, not gustatory sweating. *Facial nerve damage.* - The facial nerve (CN VII) primarily controls **muscles of facial expression** and provides taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. - Damage leads to **facial paralysis**, not Frey's syndrome. *None of the options* - Incorrect, as the first option accurately describes the underlying cause of Frey's syndrome.

Question 478: At which anatomical location is the opening created in dacryocystorhinostomy?

A. Middle meatus (Correct Answer)
B. Superior meatus
C. Sphenoethmoidal recess
D. Inferior meatus

Explanation: ***Middle meatus*** - In **dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)**, the anastomosis is created between the **lacrimal sac** and the nasal cavity at the level of the **middle meatus**. - The lacrimal sac is located **lateral to the middle turbinate**, making this the anatomically appropriate site for creating the surgical opening. - This placement allows direct drainage of tears from the lacrimal sac into the nasal cavity, **bypassing the obstructed nasolacrimal duct**. - The **middle meatus** provides optimal access and physiological tear drainage. *Inferior meatus* - The **nasolacrimal duct** naturally drains into the **inferior meatus** under normal anatomy. - However, DCR is performed to **bypass** an obstructed nasolacrimal duct, so the anastomosis is created more **superiorly** at the lacrimal sac level. - The inferior meatus is **below** the level of the lacrimal sac and would not provide direct access to it. *Superior meatus* - The **superior meatus** is located above the superior turbinate and receives drainage from the **posterior ethmoidal sinuses**. - This location is **too superior** for DCR and does not correspond to the anatomical position of the lacrimal sac. *Sphenoethmoidal recess* - The **sphenoethmoidal recess** is the most superior and posterior area, receiving drainage from the **sphenoid sinus**. - This location is far too **superior and posterior** to be used for lacrimal drainage surgery.

Question 479: Which fracture pattern is classified as a Le Fort I fracture?

A. Pyramidal fracture involving maxilla and nasal bones
B. Complete craniofacial separation involving the upper face
C. Isolated nasal bone fracture
D. Horizontal fracture of the maxilla separating teeth from upper jaw (Correct Answer)

Explanation: **Horizontal fracture of the maxilla separating teeth from upper jaw** - A **Le Fort I fracture** is a **horizontal fracture** that detaches the entire **maxillary arch**, including the **palate** and **alveolar process**, from the rest of the facial skeleton. - This fracture line typically extends **above the level of the nasal floor** and involves the **pterygoid plates**. *Pyramidal fracture involving maxilla and nasal bones* - This description corresponds to a **Le Fort II fracture**, which is a **pyramidal fracture** involving the **nasal bones**, **medial walls of the orbits**, and the **maxilla**. - It creates a central fragment that includes the **nasal bridge** and part of the maxilla, separating it from the frontal bone. *Complete craniofacial separation involving the upper face* - This refers to a **Le Fort III fracture**, also known as **craniofacial disjunction**. - It involves the separation of the entire **midfacial skeleton** from the **cranial base**, often extending through the **zygomaticofrontal sutures** and **nasofrontal sutures**. *Isolated nasal bone fracture* - An **isolated nasal bone fracture** involves only the nasal bones and does not extend into the maxilla or other facial structures. - It is a much more **localized injury** compared to any of the Le Fort fracture patterns.

Question 480: Commonest site of carcinoma tongue -

A. Apical
B. Lateral borders (Correct Answer)
C. Dorsum
D. Posterior 1/3

Explanation: ***Lateral borders*** - The **lateral borders** of the tongue are the most common site for squamous cell carcinoma due to chronic irritation from teeth, dental appliances, and exposure to carcinogens. - This area is subjected to considerable mechanical stress and chemical exposure, making it more susceptible to malignant transformation. *Apical* - While the apex (tip) of the tongue can be affected, it is **less common** compared to the lateral borders. - Tumors in this location may present earlier due to their prominent position, but incidence rates are lower. *Dorsum* - The **dorsum** (top surface) of the tongue is covered by papillae which provide some protective barrier, making it a **less frequent site** for carcinoma. - Carcinomas on the dorsum are often associated with other risk factors like syphilis or immunosuppression. *Posterior 1/3* - Carcinomas of the **posterior one-third** (base of the tongue) are often associated with **Human Papillomavirus (HPV)** infection. - These are typically harder to detect early due to their location and may present with different symptoms such as dysphagia or referred otalgia, but they are not the most common overall site.

Practice by Chapter

Salivary Gland Diseases

Practice Questions

Thyroid Gland Disorders

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Parathyroid Gland Disorders

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Neck Masses Evaluation

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Oral Cavity Lesions

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Laryngeal Disorders

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Head and Neck Cancer

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Reconstructive Techniques in Head and Neck Surgery

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Surgical Management of Sleep Apnea

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Airway Management in Head and Neck Surgery

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Surgical Approaches to the Neck

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Neck Dissection Techniques

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