Head and neck tumours: carotid displacement in parapharyngeal masses: 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: carotid displacement in parapharyngeal masses

Sample item

CT of a parapharyngeal mass shows the internal carotid artery displaced anteriorly, with the mass lying behind the styloid diaphragm. Which tumour is most likely?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Poststyloid neurogenic tumour or paraganglioma

Prestyloid masses, mostly salivary in origin, displace the carotid artery posteriorly, while poststyloid masses lie in the carotid space and displace it anteriorly. Poststyloid tumours are mainly neurogenic (schwannoma, neurofibroma) or paragangliomas.

Option by option

  • A. Deep lobe parotid pleomorphic adenoma

    A deep lobe parotid tumour lies in the prestyloid space and pushes the carotid backward.

  • B. Poststyloid neurogenic tumour or paraganglioma (correct)

    Correct. A poststyloid mass displaces the carotid anteriorly and is usually neurogenic or a paraganglioma.

  • C. Prestyloid lipoma

    A prestyloid lipoma would likewise displace the carotid posteriorly.

  • D. Minor salivary gland tumour of the lateral pharyngeal wall

    Minor salivary tumours also lie in the prestyloid compartment.

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, Poststyloid neurogenic tumour or paraganglioma. Prestyloid masses, mostly salivary in origin, displace the carotid artery posteriorly, while poststyloid masses lie in the carotid space and displace it anteriorly.

Why is "Deep lobe parotid pleomorphic adenoma" not the answer?

A deep lobe parotid tumour lies in the prestyloid space and pushes the carotid backward.

Why is "Prestyloid lipoma" not the answer?

A prestyloid lipoma would likewise displace the carotid posteriorly.

Why is "Minor salivary gland tumour of the lateral pharyngeal wall" not the answer?

Minor salivary tumours also lie in the prestyloid compartment.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck tumours: carotid displacement in parapharyngeal masses in ENT. Poststyloid tumours are mainly neurogenic (schwannoma, neurofibroma) or paragangliomas.

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: carotid displacement in parapharyngeal masses?

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.