Head and neck tumours: marginal mandibulectomy: 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: marginal mandibulectomy

Sample item

A floor-of-mouth carcinoma abuts the lingual cortex of the mandible, and CT shows an intact cortex with no marrow invasion. Which mandibular procedure is adequate and preserves continuity?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Marginal mandibulectomy

When the tumour only abuts the periosteum, a marginal (rim) mandibulectomy removes the lingual or superior cortex and keeps the mandibular arch intact. If the cortex or marrow is invaded, a segmental mandibulectomy is needed. A mandibulotomy is only an access cut.

Option by option

  • A. Hemimandibulectomy

    Hemimandibulectomy is more extensive than needed here.

  • B. Segmental mandibulectomy

    Segmental mandibulectomy is needed when bone is invaded and causes loss of continuity.

  • C. Marginal mandibulectomy (correct)

    Correct. A rim resection clears tumour abutting the cortex without breaking mandibular continuity.

  • D. Mandibulotomy alone

    Mandibulotomy gives access for resection but removes no bone.

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 C, Marginal mandibulectomy. When the tumour only abuts the periosteum, a marginal (rim) mandibulectomy removes the lingual or superior cortex and keeps the mandibular arch intact.

Why is "Hemimandibulectomy" not the answer?

Hemimandibulectomy is more extensive than needed here.

Why is "Segmental mandibulectomy" not the answer?

Segmental mandibulectomy is needed when bone is invaded and causes loss of continuity.

Why is "Mandibulotomy alone" not the answer?

Mandibulotomy gives access for resection but removes no bone.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck tumours: marginal mandibulectomy in ENT. If the cortex or marrow is invaded, a segmental mandibulectomy is needed. A mandibulotomy is only an access cut.

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: marginal mandibulectomy?

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.