Head and neck tumours: supraomohyoid neck dissection: 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: supraomohyoid neck dissection

Sample item

A cN0 oral tongue carcinoma is treated with an elective neck dissection removing nodal levels I to III with preservation of the sternocleidomastoid, jugular vein and accessory nerve. What is it called?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Supraomohyoid selective neck dissection

The supraomohyoid dissection removes levels I to III, the nodal groups at highest risk in oral cavity cancers, and preserves non-lymphatic structures. Lateral dissection removes levels II to IV and is used for laryngeal and pharyngeal tumours. Radical dissection removes levels I to V with all three structures.

Option by option

  • A. Radical neck dissection

    Radical dissection sacrifices the SCM, IJV and CN XI.

  • B. Posterolateral neck dissection

    Posterolateral dissection removes levels II to V.

  • C. Supraomohyoid selective neck dissection (correct)

    Correct. Levels I to III are removed.

  • D. Lateral neck dissection

    Lateral dissection removes levels II to IV.

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 ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Supraomohyoid selective neck dissection. The supraomohyoid dissection removes levels I to III, the nodal groups at highest risk in oral cavity cancers, and preserves non-lymphatic structures.

Why is "Radical neck dissection" not the answer?

Radical dissection sacrifices the SCM, IJV and CN XI.

Why is "Posterolateral neck dissection" not the answer?

Posterolateral dissection removes levels II to V.

Why is "Lateral neck dissection" not the answer?

Lateral dissection removes levels II to IV.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck tumours: supraomohyoid neck dissection in ENT. Lateral dissection removes levels II to IV and is used for laryngeal and pharyngeal tumours. Radical dissection removes levels I to V with all three structures.

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: supraomohyoid neck dissection?

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.