Head and Neck Surgery Practice Questions

Q: A 36-year-old male presents with an asymptomatic swelling in the body of the mandible, exhibiting radiographic features of radiolucency with radiopaque flecks. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (Pindborg tumor). ### Explanation The correct diagnosis is **Calcifying Epithelial Odontogenic Tumor (CEOT)**, also known as a **Pindborg tumor**. **1. Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The Pindborg tumor is a rare, benign but locally aggressive odontogenic neoplasm. The hallmark of this tumor is its radiographic appearance: a well-defined radiolucency containing characteristic **radiopaque flecks** or "driven-snow" appearance. These flecks represent calcifications within the tumor matrix (Liesegang rings). It most commonly occurs in the 30–50 age group and is frequently associated with an impacted tooth (usually the mandibular molar). **2. Why the Incorrect Options are Wrong:** * **Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC):** Radiographically, OKCs typically present as a well-defined, unilocular or multilocular **radiolucency** with smooth or scalloped margins. They do **not** contain internal radiopaque calcifications. * **Ameloblastoma:** This is the most common odontogenic tumor. It typically presents as a "soap-bubble" or "honeycomb" **multilocular radiolucency**. While it can cause significant bone expansion and root resorption, it lacks internal radiopacities/calcifications. * **None of the above:** Incorrect, as the clinical and radiological description is a classic textbook presentation of CEOT. **3. NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Histology of Pindborg Tumor:** Look for polyhedral epithelial cells, **amyloid-like material** (stains with Congo Red and shows apple-green birefringence), and **Liesegang rings** (concentric calcifications). * **Location:** 2/3rd of cases occur in the mandible (molar-premolar region). * **Management:** Conservative local resection with a margin of healthy bone is the treatment of choice due to its lower recurrence rate compared to ameloblastoma.

Q: What is the term for the removal of level I to V lymph nodes along with the sternocleidomastoid muscle?

Modified radical neck dissection. ### Explanation The classification of neck dissections is a high-yield topic in surgical oncology, primarily based on which lymph node levels (I-V) and non-lymphatic structures are removed. **1. Why "Modified Radical Neck Dissection" (MRND) is correct:** A **Radical Neck Dissection (RND)** involves the removal of lymph node levels I through V plus three non-lymphatic structures: the Sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), the Internal Jugular Vein (IJV), and the Spinal Accessory Nerve (SAN). **Modified Radical Neck Dissection (MRND)** involves the same lymph node levels (I-V) but **preserves one or more** of these non-lymphatic structures. In this specific question, the SCM is removed, implying that the IJV and/or SAN are preserved, thus categorizing it as MRND. **2. Analysis of Incorrect Options:** * **Selective Neck Dissection (SND):** Only specific lymph node levels are removed (e.g., Levels I-III in supraomohyoid dissection) based on the primary tumor site. It does not involve all levels I-V. * **Radical Neck Dissection (RND):** This requires the removal of **all three** non-lymphatic structures (SCM, IJV, and SAN) along with levels I-V. If any one of these is preserved, it is no longer an RND. * **Functional Neck Dissection:** This is an older term often used synonymously with MRND Type III, where levels I-V are removed but **all three** non-lymphatic structures (SCM, IJV, SAN) are preserved. **3. NEET-PG Clinical Pearls:** * **MRND Type I:** SAN is preserved. * **MRND Type II:** SAN and IJV are preserved. * **MRND Type III:** SAN, IJV, and SCM are preserved (most common for N0 necks). * The **Spinal Accessory Nerve** is the most important structure to preserve to prevent "Shoulder Syndrome" (pain and limited abduction). * **Level VI** nodes (pre-tracheal/para-tracheal) are typically addressed in thyroid and laryngeal cancers, not in standard RND/MRND.

Q: In surgery of the submandibular salivary gland, which nerve is often involved?

Facial nerve. The correct answer is the **Facial nerve**, specifically its **Marginal Mandibular branch**. During submandibular gland excision, this nerve is the most frequently injured structure because it descends below the lower border of the mandible, passing superficial to the submandibular gland and the facial artery within the investing layer of deep cervical fascia. **Why the other options are incorrect:** * **Hypoglossal nerve (CN XII):** This nerve lies deep to the submandibular gland, resting on the hyoglossus muscle. While it is at risk during deep dissection, it is protected by the mylohyoid muscle and is less commonly involved than the superficial marginal mandibular branch. * **Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX):** This nerve is located much higher and deeper in the oropharynx/tonsillar fossa region. It is not typically encountered during routine submandibular gland surgery. * **Lingual nerve:** This nerve is closely related to the submandibular duct (Wharton’s duct), where it "loops" under the duct. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** 1. **Hayes’ Maneuver:** To protect the marginal mandibular nerve, the incision is made 2–3 cm below the lower border of the mandible, and the distal end of the facial vein is ligated and retracted superiorly to "lift" the nerve out of the surgical field. 2. **Nerve-Duct Relationship:** The Lingual nerve crosses the submandibular duct twice (lateral to medial) and is often described as "triple-related" to the duct. 3. **Ganglion:** The submandibular ganglion (parasympathetic) "hangs" from the lingual nerve and supplies secretomotor fibers to the gland.

Q: In the classification of cervical lymph nodes, which level corresponds to the anterior compartment?

Anterior compartment. In the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) classification, cervical lymph nodes are divided into six levels. **Level VI** specifically corresponds to the **Anterior Compartment**. ### **Explanation of the Correct Answer** Level VI (Anterior Compartment) contains the pre-laryngeal (Delphian), pre-tracheal, para-tracheal, and perithyroidal nodes. Its boundaries are: * **Superior:** Hyoid bone. * **Inferior:** Suprasternal notch. * **Lateral:** Medial borders of the carotid sheaths (sternocleidomastoid muscles). This level is clinically significant as it is the primary site of metastasis for cancers of the thyroid, larynx, and cervical esophagus. ### **Analysis of Incorrect Options** * **A. Submandibular (Level II):** This is incorrect. Level I consists of Submental (IA) and Submandibular (IB) nodes, located above the hyoid bone and below the body of the mandible. * **C. Upper jugular (Level II):** This refers to nodes located around the upper third of the internal jugular vein, extending from the skull base to the hyoid bone. * **D. Posterior triangle (Level V):** This level is bounded by the posterior border of the SCM anteriorly, the anterior border of the trapezius posteriorly, and the clavicle inferiorly. ### **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG** * **Level VII:** Refers to the superior mediastinal nodes (below the suprasternal notch). * **Delphian Node:** A pre-laryngeal node in Level VI; its enlargement often indicates laryngeal or thyroid malignancy. * **Sentinel Node in Oral Cancer:** Usually found in Level I or II. * **Radical Neck Dissection (RND):** Involves removal of Levels I-V along with the SCM, Internal Jugular Vein, and Spinal Accessory Nerve.

Q: A lazy S incision is used during which surgical procedure?

Parotidectomy. The **Lazy S incision**, also known as the **Blair’s incision** (or the modified Blair’s incision), is the standard surgical approach for a **Parotidectomy**. ### 1. Why Parotidectomy is Correct The incision begins pre-auricularly, curves around the earlobe, and extends down into the neck (forming a "Lazy S" shape). This specific design is used for two primary reasons: * **Exposure:** It provides excellent visualization of the parotid gland and the trunk of the **Facial Nerve** (CN VII) as it exits the stylomastoid foramen. * **Cosmesis:** By following the natural skin creases (Langer’s lines) and the contour of the ear, it results in a less conspicuous scar. ### 2. Why Other Options are Incorrect * **Seabrook’s Operation:** This is a historical/less common term sometimes associated with specific drainage procedures, but it does not utilize the Lazy S incision. * **Submandibular Calculi Removal:** Small calculi are usually removed **intra-orally** via an incision in the floor of the mouth. If the entire gland is removed (Submandibular Sialadenectomy), a horizontal incision in the neck (2 cm below the mandible) is used to avoid the marginal mandibular nerve. ### 3. High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG * **Modified Blair’s Incision:** The most common variant used today; it is more aesthetically pleasing than the original Blair’s. * **Facial Nerve Landmarks:** During parotidectomy, the nerve is identified using the **Tragal pointer** (nerve is ~1 cm deep and anterior), the **Tympanomastoid suture**, or the **Posterior belly of the digastric muscle**. * **Frey’s Syndrome:** A common post-parotidectomy complication (gustatory sweating) diagnosed by the **Minor’s Starch-Iodine test**.

Q: Which of the following is not a landmark of the facial nerve during superficial parotidectomy?

Zygomatic bone. During a superficial parotidectomy, identifying the facial nerve trunk before it bifurcates at the *pes anserinus* is the most critical step to prevent iatrogenic injury. Surgeons use specific anatomical landmarks to locate the nerve as it exits the stylomastoid foramen. **Explanation of the Correct Answer:** **D. Zygomatic bone:** This is the correct answer because it is located too far anteriorly and superiorly to serve as a landmark for the main trunk of the facial nerve. While the zygomatic *branches* of the nerve cross the zygomatic bone later, the bone itself does not guide the surgeon to the nerve's exit point from the skull base. **Analysis of Incorrect Options (Landmarks for the Facial Nerve):** * **A. Tragus:** The "Tragal Pointer" is a key landmark. The facial nerve trunk is situated approximately 1 cm deep and slightly anterior-inferior to the tip of the tragal cartilage. * **B. Mastoid process:** The nerve exits the stylomastoid foramen, located just medial to the mastoid process. Surgeons palpate the mastoid to orient themselves to the vertical plane of the nerve. * **C. Posterior belly of digastric muscle:** The facial nerve runs superior to this muscle. Identifying the upper border of the posterior belly of the digastric helps the surgeon "bridge" the gap toward the nerve trunk. **NEET-PG High-Yield Pearls:** * **Tympanomastoid Suture:** This is considered the **most reliable** landmark; the nerve is found 6–8 mm deep to this suture. * **Luschka’s Law:** The nerve is found midway between the angle of the mandible and the mastoid process. * **Retrograde Identification:** If the main trunk cannot be found, surgeons may find a peripheral branch (like the marginal mandibular) and trace it backward to the main trunk.

Q: Acinic cell tumor is a tumor of which gland?

Parotid gland. **Explanation:** **Acinic Cell Carcinoma (ACC)** is a low-grade malignant salivary gland tumor. It is unique because its cells demonstrate serous acinar differentiation, characterized by cytoplasmic zymogen-type granules. 1. **Why Parotid Gland is correct:** The **Parotid gland** is the most common site for Acinic cell tumors, accounting for approximately **80% of cases**. It is the second most common malignant salivary gland tumor in children (after Mucoepidermoid carcinoma) and the third most common overall in adults. It often presents as a slow-growing, painless swelling, frequently mimicking a benign pleomorphic adenoma. 2. **Why other options are incorrect:** * **Breast:** While the breast contains glandular tissue, primary acinic cell tumors are extremely rare here; the most common malignancies are Ductal or Lobular carcinomas. * **Parathyroid:** Tumors here are typically Adenomas or Hyperplasia, involving chief cells or oxyphil cells, not acinar cells. * **Thyroid:** Thyroid malignancies arise from follicular cells (Papillary/Follicular CA) or parafollicular C-cells (Medullary CA), which do not have acinar morphology. **High-Yield Clinical Pearls for NEET-PG:** * **Bilateralism:** Acinic cell tumor is the **most common malignant** salivary tumor to present **bilaterally** (though Warthin’s tumor is the most common benign bilateral tumor). * **Histology:** Look for "clear cells" or "blue dots" (zymogen granules) on PAS stain. * **Prognosis:** It generally has a favorable prognosis compared to other salivary malignancies, but it can recur or metastasize years after initial treatment. * **Treatment:** Wide local excision is the mainstay of management.

Question 1

A 36-year-old male presents with an asymptomatic swelling in the body of the mandible, exhibiting radiographic features of radiolucency with radiopaque flecks. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (Pindborg tumor)

Answer

Odontogenic keratocyst

Answer

Ameloblastoma

Answer

None of the above

Question 2

Which of the following statements about branchial cleft anomalies is true?

Accepted Answer

Injury to the hypoglossal nerve may occur during excision of a second branchial cleft fistula.

Answer

A fistula that lies between the external auditory canal and the submandibular region originates from the second branchial cleft.

Answer

The course of the first branchial cleft fistula is through the bifurcation of the carotid artery.

Answer

The internal opening of the second branchial cleft fistula is usually found in the maxillary sinus.

Question 3

What is the term for the removal of level I to V lymph nodes along with the sternocleidomastoid muscle?

Accepted Answer

Modified radical neck dissection

Answer

Selective neck dissection

Answer

Radical neck dissection

Answer

Functional neck dissection

Question 4

In surgery of the submandibular salivary gland, which nerve is often involved?

Accepted Answer

Facial nerve

Answer

Hypoglossal nerve

Answer

Glossopharyngeal nerve

Answer

Lingual nerve

Question 5

In the classification of cervical lymph nodes, which level corresponds to the anterior compartment?

Accepted Answer

Anterior compartment

Answer

Submandibular

Answer

Upper jugular

Answer

Posterior triangle

Question 6

A lazy S incision is used during which surgical procedure?

Accepted Answer

Parotidectomy

Answer

Seabrook's operation

Answer

Submandibular calculi removal

Answer

All of the above

Question 7

Which of the following is not a landmark of the facial nerve during superficial parotidectomy?

Accepted Answer

Zygomatic bone

Answer

Tragus

Answer

Mastoid process

Answer

Posterior belly of digastric muscle

Question 8

Acinic cell tumor is a tumor of which gland?

Accepted Answer

Parotid gland

Answer

Breast

Answer

Parathyroid

Answer

Thyroid

Question 9

A 80-year-old patient presents with a midline tumor of the lower jaw, involving the alveolar margin. The patient is edentulous. What is the recommended treatment?

Accepted Answer

Segmental mandibulectomy

Answer

Hemimandibulectomy

Answer

Commando operation

Answer

Marginal mandibulectomy

Question 10

What is the most common carcinoma of minor salivary glands?

Accepted Answer

Adenoid cystic carcinoma

Answer

Pleomorphic adenoma

Answer

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma

Answer

Warthin's tumor

Head and Neck Surgery — MCQs

Head and Neck Surgery — MCQs

On this page

Practice by Chapter

Want unlimited practice?