Head and neck tumours: elective neck dissection for the larynx: 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: elective neck dissection for the larynx

Sample item

A clinically node-negative laryngeal squamous carcinoma needs an elective neck dissection. Which selective neck dissection is standard?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Lateral (levels II to IV)

Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers drain to the jugular nodes of levels II, III and IV, so the lateral neck dissection removes these. Supraomohyoid dissection is for oral cavity cancers, and posterolateral dissection is used for posterior scalp and neck skin cancers. Supraglottic tumours need both sides treated as they metastasise early and bilaterally.

Option by option

  • A. Posterolateral (levels II to V plus suboccipital)

    Posterolateral dissection is for skin cancers of the posterior scalp and neck.

  • B. Supraomohyoid (levels I to III)

    Levels I to III are the first echelon for the oral cavity, not the larynx.

  • C. Lateral (levels II to IV) (correct)

    Correct. The larynx drains to levels II to IV.

  • D. Anterior compartment (level VI) alone

    Level VI alone is for thyroid and subglottic disease and misses the jugular chain.

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 C, Lateral (levels II to IV). Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers drain to the jugular nodes of levels II, III and IV, so the lateral neck dissection removes these.

Why is "Posterolateral (levels II to V plus suboccipital)" not the answer?

Posterolateral dissection is for skin cancers of the posterior scalp and neck.

Why is "Supraomohyoid (levels I to III)" not the answer?

Levels I to III are the first echelon for the oral cavity, not the larynx.

Why is "Anterior compartment (level VI) alone" not the answer?

Level VI alone is for thyroid and subglottic disease and misses the jugular chain.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck tumours: elective neck dissection for the larynx in ENT. Supraomohyoid dissection is for oral cavity cancers, and posterolateral dissection is used for posterior scalp and neck skin cancers. Supraglottic tumours need both sides treated as they metastasise early and bilaterally.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. 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: elective neck dissection for the larynx?

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.