Head and neck: 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

Sample item

Which neck lump feature is particularly concerning for head-and-neck malignancy?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Persistent firm neck mass in an adult

A persistent firm neck mass in an adult can represent metastatic head-and-neck malignancy or lymphoma and should receive structured assessment rather than repeated empiric treatment without diagnosis.

Option by option

  • A. A small midline cyst in a child

    A midline childhood cyst may have a congenital differential and needs context-specific review.

  • B. Brief muscle soreness after exercise

    Exercise-related muscle soreness is not a persistent neck mass.

  • C. A tender node resolving after a cold

    A tender node that resolves after infection is often reactive.

  • D. Persistent firm neck mass in an adult (correct)

    Correct: persistent firm adult neck mass is a malignancy warning feature.

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.

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Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is D, Persistent firm neck mass in an adult. A persistent firm neck mass in an adult can represent metastatic head-and-neck malignancy or lymphoma and should receive structured assessment rather than repeated empiric treatment without diagnosis.

Why is "A small midline cyst in a child" not the answer?

A midline childhood cyst may have a congenital differential and needs context-specific review.

Why is "Brief muscle soreness after exercise" not the answer?

Exercise-related muscle soreness is not a persistent neck mass.

Why is "A tender node resolving after a cold" not the answer?

A tender node that resolves after infection is often reactive.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck in ENT. The correct option holds because: Correct: persistent firm adult neck mass is a malignancy warning feature.

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?

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.