Neck masses: thyroglossal duct cyst: 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 · Neck masses: thyroglossal duct cyst

Sample item

A child has a painless midline neck mass that moves upward with swallowing and tongue protrusion. What is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Thyroglossal duct cyst

A thyroglossal duct cyst is a congenital midline neck lesion that moves with swallowing and tongue protrusion because of its embryologic tract. Infection can cause acute enlargement and tenderness.

Option by option

  • A. Branchial cyst

    Branchial cysts are usually lateral neck masses.

  • B. Thyroglossal duct cyst (correct)

    Correct. Movement with tongue protrusion is the key clue.

  • C. Laryngocele

    Laryngocele is air-filled and may enlarge with Valsalva.

  • D. Lymphoma

    Lymphoma can cause nodes but does not characteristically move with tongue protrusion.

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 B, Thyroglossal duct cyst. A thyroglossal duct cyst is a congenital midline neck lesion that moves with swallowing and tongue protrusion because of its embryologic tract.

Why is "Branchial cyst" not the answer?

Branchial cysts are usually lateral neck masses.

Why is "Laryngocele" not the answer?

Laryngocele is air-filled and may enlarge with Valsalva.

Why is "Lymphoma" not the answer?

Lymphoma can cause nodes but does not characteristically move with tongue protrusion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neck masses: thyroglossal duct cyst in ENT. Infection can cause acute enlargement and tenderness.

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 Neck masses: thyroglossal duct cyst?

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.