Larynx and airway: mitomycin C in airway stenosis: 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 · Larynx and airway: mitomycin C in airway stenosis

Sample item

After endoscopic dilatation of a subglottic stenosis, the surgeon applies mitomycin C topically to the scar. What is its aim?

ATo promote epithelial growth over the raw areaBTo increase collagen cross-linking in the scarCTo inhibit fibroblast proliferation and reduce restenosisDTo provide broad-spectrum antibacterial cover

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. To inhibit fibroblast proliferation and reduce restenosis

Mitomycin C is an alkylating agent that inhibits fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. Applied briefly to the dilated or resected scar, it aims to reduce recurrence of stenosis, though evidence of benefit is mixed.

Option by option

A. To promote epithelial growth over the raw area
It does not stimulate epithelial growth; it slows the proliferation of connective tissue cells.
B. To increase collagen cross-linking in the scar
Increasing collagen cross-linking would strengthen the scar and promote contraction.
C. To inhibit fibroblast proliferation and reduce restenosis (correct)
Correct. Mitomycin C inhibits fibroblast proliferation and so limits scarring and restenosis.
D. To provide broad-spectrum antibacterial cover
Mitomycin C is a cytotoxic antibiotic used for its antiproliferative effect, not as antibacterial cover.

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.

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, To inhibit fibroblast proliferation and reduce restenosis. Mitomycin C is an alkylating agent that inhibits fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis.

Why is "To promote epithelial growth over the raw area" not the answer?

It does not stimulate epithelial growth; it slows the proliferation of connective tissue cells.

Why is "To increase collagen cross-linking in the scar" not the answer?

Increasing collagen cross-linking would strengthen the scar and promote contraction.

Why is "To provide broad-spectrum antibacterial cover" not the answer?

Mitomycin C is a cytotoxic antibiotic used for its antiproliferative effect, not as antibacterial cover.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Larynx and airway: mitomycin C in airway stenosis in ENT. Applied briefly to the dilated or resected scar, it aims to reduce recurrence of stenosis, though evidence of benefit is mixed.

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 Larynx and airway: mitomycin C in airway stenosis?

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.