Head & Neck History Taking, Clinical Examinations and Investigations Flashcards
1
Q
What are the common presenting symptoms in head and neck cases?
A
- Sore throat
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Dysphonia (difficulty speaking)
- Odynophagia (pain when swallowing)
- Neck lump
- Mouth/Throat Ulcer
2
Q
What are the common methods of investigation for head and neck pathology?
A
- FNAC
- CT/MRI/PET
- Plain X-ray
- U/S
- Endoscopy
- Contrast swallow
3
Q
What treatments are available for head and neck cancer?
A
- Surgery
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy
4
Q
What are the common salivary gland conditions?
A
- Tumours (pleomorphic adenoma)
- Inflammation (parotitis)
- Duct calculus
5
Q
How is tonsilitis diagnosed and managed?
A
Diagnosis
- Bacterial tonsilitis (tonsils are pus covered, neck nodes, fever, no cough)
- 6-7 attacks in 1 year
- Disrupting daily activities
- More than one quinsy (peritonsillar abscess)
Management
Tonsillectomy
6
Q
How is a hoarse patient assessed?
A
- How long?
- Persistent or intermittent?
- With a cough/swallowing problems?
- Smoker?
- Painful?
- Has your voice been affected?
- Do you have asthma?
7
Q
How do you assess a patient with dysphagia?
A
- Painful?
- Liquids or solids worse?
- Persistent or intermittent?
- Where (well localised in neck or poorly localised further down)?
8
Q
How is a patient with a neck lump assessed?
A
History:
- For how long?
- Site?
- Is it fluctuant?
- Pain?
- Overseas travel?
Examination:
- Site
- Size & shape
- Sore
- Soft or hard
- Does it move with swallowing or is it stuck to the skin
- Does it transilluminate
9
Q
How is a patient with stridor managed?
A
- Secure the airway, e.g. intubate
- Humidified O2
- Steroids
- Adrenaline Nebuliser
