Head and neck tumours: carcinoma of the tongue: 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.

Try it

ENT · Head and neck tumours: carcinoma of the tongue

Sample item

In which site of the tongue does squamous cell carcinoma most commonly arise?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Lateral border, in the middle third

About two thirds of oral tongue cancers arise on the lateral border in the middle third, associated with chronic irritation and tobacco. Lesions here drain to levels I to III, with skip metastasis to level IV possible. Early invasion into the tongue musculature is common.

Option by option

  • A. Dorsum

    The dorsum is rarely involved.

  • B. Lateral border, in the middle third (correct)

    Correct. The lateral border is the commonest site.

  • C. Base

    The base is part of the oropharynx.

  • D. Tip

    The tip is an uncommon site.

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 B, Lateral border, in the middle third. About two thirds of oral tongue cancers arise on the lateral border in the middle third, associated with chronic irritation and tobacco.

Why is "Dorsum" not the answer?

The dorsum is rarely involved.

Why is "Base" not the answer?

The base is part of the oropharynx.

Why is "Tip" not the answer?

The tip is an uncommon site.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck tumours: carcinoma of the tongue in ENT. Lesions here drain to levels I to III, with skip metastasis to level IV possible. Early invasion into the tongue musculature is common.

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: carcinoma of the tongue?

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.