Head and Neck History Taking, Examination and Investigations

Question 1

How can a throat be examined?

Answer 1

Indirect laryngoscopy

Fibre optic nasolaryngoscopy

Question 2

How are the neck node levels organised from 1-6?

Answer 2

1 below chin
2 behind one
3 below 2
4 below 3
5 behind 2,3 and 4
6 in front of 2,3 and 4
Trace a Z from chin to lower back of neck for 1-5 then six at front

Question 3

What are the three major salivary glands?

Answer 3

Parotid gland
Submandibular gland
Submental gland

Question 4

In what head and neck cases can auscultation be useful?

Answer 4

Thyroid bruit- Grave’s disease

Carotid bruit- carotid stenosis

Question 5

What are the common useful head and neck investigations?

Answer 5

Fine needle aspiration cytology
CT/MRI/PET scan
Ultrasound
Plain X-ray
Contrast swallow
Endoscopy

Question 6

What are the characteristics of a malignant neck node?

Answer 6

Round
Firm
Irregular
Fixed
Non-tender

Question 7

When should a tonsillectomy be offered?

Answer 7

Bacterial tonsilitis
6-7 attacks in one year
Disrupting daily activities
More than one quinsy