Mouth, Throat, Neck

Question 1

What are the different sections of this exam?

Answer 1

Inspection - mouth, teeth, neck
Palpation - neck, inside mouth, glands
Percussion - thyroid swelling
Auscultation - carotid bruits, thyroid bruit

Question 2

What preparations should be made before starting the exam?

Answer 2

Glass of water present
Patient exposed down to clavicles and sitting
Any jewellery removed

Question 3

What is looked for on inspection?

Answer 3

Mouth

• lips, cyanosis, angular stomatitis, other lesions e.g. BCC
• inside mouth - dentition, floor, palate, inside of cheeks, parotid duct opening (say aah)
• oropharynx, uvula, tonsillar folds, tonsils - stick out tongue and move side to side
• underside of tongue, frenulum, submandibular duct opening

Bite together

Neck

• scars, swelling
• lumps
• movement with tongue protrusion/swallowing

Question 4

What is palpated?

Answer 4

Neck

• tracheal position
• palpate lateral and anterior neck
• note and describe any swellings

Parotid gland

Mouth (gloves)

• underneath tongue
• inside of cheeks
• salivary glands (submandibular)
• substance of tongue