Neuro-ophthalmology and pupils: frontal mucocele: practice question

A Ophthalmology 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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Ophthalmology · Neuro-ophthalmology and pupils: frontal mucocele

Sample item

A 50-year-old with chronic sinusitis has slowly progressive painless proptosis with the globe pushed downward and outward and a soft swelling in the superomedial orbit. What is the diagnosis?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Frontal sinus mucocele

A frontal or ethmoid mucocele expands into the orbit and displaces the globe downward and outward. A lacrimal gland tumour pushes it downward and inward. Cavernous haemangioma is intraconal and causes axial proptosis.

Option by option

  • A. Dermoid cyst

    A dermoid cyst presents in childhood in the superotemporal region.

  • B. Cavernous haemangioma

    Cavernous haemangioma is intraconal and gives axial proptosis.

  • C. Lacrimal gland tumour

    A lacrimal gland tumour arises superolaterally and pushes the globe down and in.

  • D. Frontal sinus mucocele (correct)

    Correct. A superomedial mass displacing the globe down and out is a frontal mucocele.

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 Ophthalmology question

What is the answer to this Ophthalmology question?

The best answer is D, Frontal sinus mucocele. A frontal or ethmoid mucocele expands into the orbit and displaces the globe downward and outward.

Why is "Dermoid cyst" not the answer?

A dermoid cyst presents in childhood in the superotemporal region.

Why is "Cavernous haemangioma" not the answer?

Cavernous haemangioma is intraconal and gives axial proptosis.

Why is "Lacrimal gland tumour" not the answer?

A lacrimal gland tumour arises superolaterally and pushes the globe down and in.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neuro-ophthalmology and pupils: frontal mucocele in Ophthalmology. A lacrimal gland tumour pushes it downward and inward. Cavernous haemangioma is intraconal and causes axial proptosis.

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 Neuro-ophthalmology and pupils: frontal mucocele?

Group the red eye by what to examine and what the pupil does. Then use the flashcards and the other Ophthalmology 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.