Head and neck: osteoradionecrosis: 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: osteoradionecrosis

Sample item

To reduce the risk of osteoradionecrosis of the mandible, what is done before radiotherapy for oral cancer?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Dental assessment and extraction of non-salvageable teeth

Radiation reduces the vascularity and healing capacity of bone, so extractions after radiotherapy risk infection and necrosis. Dental clearance of poor teeth beforehand and fluoride care reduce this risk.

Option by option

  • A. Prophylactic mandibulectomy

    Mandibulectomy is not prophylactic.

  • B. Nothing is required

    Dental evaluation is essential.

  • C. Steroid injection into the mandible

    Steroid injections have no role.

  • D. Dental assessment and extraction of non-salvageable teeth (correct)

    Correct. Pre-radiotherapy dental care reduces osteoradionecrosis.

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, Dental assessment and extraction of non-salvageable teeth. Radiation reduces the vascularity and healing capacity of bone, so extractions after radiotherapy risk infection and necrosis.

Why is "Prophylactic mandibulectomy" not the answer?

Mandibulectomy is not prophylactic.

Why is "Nothing is required" not the answer?

Dental evaluation is essential.

Why is "Steroid injection into the mandible" not the answer?

Steroid injections have no role.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck: osteoradionecrosis in ENT. Dental clearance of poor teeth beforehand and fluoride care reduce this risk.

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: osteoradionecrosis?

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.