Pharynx and tonsils: vallecular cyst: 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 · Pharynx and tonsils: vallecular cyst

Sample item

An infant has stridor, feeding difficulty and a cystic swelling in the vallecula seen on laryngoscopy, pushing the epiglottis backwards. What is the treatment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Marsupialisation or excision under controlled airway

A vallecular cyst is a retention cyst that displaces the epiglottis and causes stridor or feeding problems. Aspiration recurs, so marsupialisation or complete excision is done under general anaesthesia with a secured airway. Intubation can rupture the cyst, so the anaesthetist must be ready.

Option by option

  • A. Radiotherapy

    Radiotherapy is not used for benign cysts.

  • B. Marsupialisation or excision under controlled airway (correct)

    Correct. Definitive surgical treatment is needed.

  • C. Observation only

    A symptomatic cyst needs treatment.

  • D. Needle aspiration in the clinic

    Needle aspiration is followed by recurrence.

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, Marsupialisation or excision under controlled airway. A vallecular cyst is a retention cyst that displaces the epiglottis and causes stridor or feeding problems.

Why is "Radiotherapy" not the answer?

Radiotherapy is not used for benign cysts.

Why is "Observation only" not the answer?

A symptomatic cyst needs treatment.

Why is "Needle aspiration in the clinic" not the answer?

Needle aspiration is followed by recurrence.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx and tonsils: vallecular cyst in ENT. Aspiration recurs, so marsupialisation or complete excision is done under general anaesthesia with a secured airway. Intubation can rupture the cyst, so the anaesthetist must be ready.

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 Pharynx and tonsils: vallecular cyst?

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.