Head and neck tumours: ultrasound features of a malignant thyroid nodule: 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: ultrasound features of a malignant thyroid nodule

Sample item

On ultrasound, which feature of a thyroid nodule most strongly suggests papillary carcinoma?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Punctate microcalcifications

Microcalcifications, hypoechogenicity, irregular margins and taller-than-wide shape raise suspicion of papillary carcinoma. Spongiform pattern and comet-tail artefacts are benign features of colloid nodules.

Option by option

  • A. Punctate microcalcifications (correct)

    Correct. Punctate microcalcifications are linked to papillary carcinoma.

  • B. Spongiform appearance

    A spongiform appearance indicates a benign colloid nodule.

  • C. Comet-tail artefacts

    Comet-tail artefacts arise from colloid and are benign.

  • D. Thin regular halo

    A thin regular halo is seen in benign follicular lesions.

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 A, Punctate microcalcifications. Microcalcifications, hypoechogenicity, irregular margins and taller-than-wide shape raise suspicion of papillary carcinoma.

Why is "Spongiform appearance" not the answer?

A spongiform appearance indicates a benign colloid nodule.

Why is "Comet-tail artefacts" not the answer?

Comet-tail artefacts arise from colloid and are benign.

Why is "Thin regular halo" not the answer?

A thin regular halo is seen in benign follicular lesions.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck tumours: ultrasound features of a malignant thyroid nodule in ENT. Spongiform pattern and comet-tail artefacts are benign features of colloid nodules.

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 tumours: ultrasound features of a malignant thyroid nodule?

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.