Head and neck tumours: pectoralis major flap: 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: pectoralis major flap

Sample item

After excision of a large oropharyngeal cancer in a patient unfit for free tissue transfer, the defect is reconstructed with a muscle flap from the chest based on the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery. What is it?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap

The pectoralis major pedicled flap is a reliable workhorse regional flap based on the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery, used to reconstruct defects and to cover the carotid. The deltopectoral flap is based on internal mammary perforators. Free flaps are preferred where microsurgery is available.

Option by option

  • A. Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap (correct)

    Correct. It is a pedicled myocutaneous flap.

  • B. Deltopectoral flap

    The deltopectoral flap uses perforators of the internal mammary artery.

  • C. Latissimus dorsi free flap

    A latissimus dorsi free flap needs microvascular anastomosis.

  • D. Radial forearm free flap

    A radial forearm flap is a free flap from the arm.

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 A, Pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. The pectoralis major pedicled flap is a reliable workhorse regional flap based on the pectoral branch of the thoracoacromial artery, used to reconstruct defects and to cover the carotid.

Why is "Deltopectoral flap" not the answer?

The deltopectoral flap uses perforators of the internal mammary artery.

Why is "Latissimus dorsi free flap" not the answer?

A latissimus dorsi free flap needs microvascular anastomosis.

Why is "Radial forearm free flap" not the answer?

A radial forearm flap is a free flap from the arm.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Head and neck tumours: pectoralis major flap in ENT. The deltopectoral flap is based on internal mammary perforators. Free flaps are preferred where microsurgery is available.

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: pectoralis major flap?

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.