Head and neck: risk factors: 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: risk factors

Sample item

Which statement about alcohol and tobacco in head and neck cancer is correct?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Together they act synergistically and increase the risk of second primary tumours

Tobacco and alcohol have a multiplicative effect on cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. Field cancerisation of the whole upper aerodigestive mucosa leads to synchronous and metachronous second primaries.

Option by option

  • A. Smoking cessation does not change risk

    Cessation lowers risk over time.

  • B. Together they act synergistically and increase the risk of second primary tumours (correct)

    Correct. The effect is synergistic with field cancerisation.

  • C. Alcohol alone has no effect

    Alcohol is an independent risk factor.

  • D. Tobacco only affects the lung

    Tobacco affects the whole upper aerodigestive tract.

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 B, Together they act synergistically and increase the risk of second primary tumours. Tobacco and alcohol have a multiplicative effect on cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx.

Why is "Smoking cessation does not change risk" not the answer?

Cessation lowers risk over time.

Why is "Alcohol alone has no effect" not the answer?

Alcohol is an independent risk factor.

Why is "Tobacco only affects the lung" not the answer?

Tobacco affects the whole upper aerodigestive tract.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck: risk factors in ENT. Field cancerisation of the whole upper aerodigestive mucosa leads to synchronous and metachronous second primaries.

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: risk factors?

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.