Pharynx: unilateral tonsil enlargement: 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 · Pharynx: unilateral tonsil enlargement

Sample item

A 55-year-old has painless enlargement of one tonsil for two months, with no fever. What is the most important next step?

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Tonsillectomy or biopsy for histology

A unilaterally enlarged, firm tonsil in an adult raises suspicion of lymphoma or squamous cell carcinoma, and tissue diagnosis is required. Imaging and neck node assessment follow.

Option by option

  • A. Reassurance

    Reassurance risks missing malignancy.

  • B. Tonsillectomy or biopsy for histology (correct)

    Correct. Histology excludes lymphoma and carcinoma.

  • C. Gargles

    Gargles are not adequate.

  • D. Repeat antibiotics

    Antibiotics will not help a malignant lesion.

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 B, Tonsillectomy or biopsy for histology. A unilaterally enlarged, firm tonsil in an adult raises suspicion of lymphoma or squamous cell carcinoma, and tissue diagnosis is required.

Why is "Reassurance" not the answer?

Reassurance risks missing malignancy.

Why is "Gargles" not the answer?

Gargles are not adequate.

Why is "Repeat antibiotics" not the answer?

Antibiotics will not help a malignant lesion.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx: unilateral tonsil enlargement in ENT. Imaging and neck node assessment follow.

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: unilateral tonsil enlargement?

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.