Head and neck tumours: IMRT parotid sparing: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Head and neck tumours: IMRT parotid sparing

Sample item

A patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma is treated with a technique that shapes the dose to spare the parotid glands. What is the main benefit?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Reduced xerostomia

Intensity-modulated radiotherapy shapes high doses to the target and spares organs at risk, such as the parotids, so that radiation-induced xerostomia is reduced. It has become standard for head and neck cancers. Other toxicities still occur.

Option by option

  • A. Reduced xerostomia (correct)

    Correct. Saliva flow is better preserved.

  • B. Reduced risk of hypothyroidism to zero

    Hypothyroidism can still occur.

  • C. Reduced hearing loss to zero

    Hearing loss can still occur.

  • D. Higher tumour dose with no side effects

    Side effects remain.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is A, Reduced xerostomia. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy shapes high doses to the target and spares organs at risk, such as the parotids, so that radiation-induced xerostomia is reduced.

Why is "Reduced risk of hypothyroidism to zero" not the answer?

Hypothyroidism can still occur.

Why is "Reduced hearing loss to zero" not the answer?

Hearing loss can still occur.

Why is "Higher tumour dose with no side effects" not the answer?

Side effects remain.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck tumours: IMRT parotid sparing in ENT. It has become standard for head and neck cancers. Other toxicities still occur.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Head and neck tumours: IMRT parotid sparing?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.