Oral Cavity, Oropharynx, Hypopharynx, and Larynx

Question 1

Where is the adenoid located?
What is another name for it?

Answer 1

Post-nasal space, below sphenoid sinus, just above ET opening
Pharyngeal tonsil - Dissolve in adult => reduces in size => less pathological

Question 2

What is Waldeyer’s ring? Explain

Answer 2

It is the ring of lymphoid tissue in the naso and oropharynx
Pharyngeal tonsil (Adenoid)
Tubal tonsils (next to ET tube)
Palatine tonsils (main ones)
Lingual tonsil

Question 3

How would you access the nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx?

Answer 3

Flexible endoscopy (FES)

Question 4

Oral surgery/tumours/infection poses the greatest risk to which cranial nerves?

Answer 4

Cranial nerves V and VII: Trigeminal and facial most affected nerves in these cases

Question 5

Is the larynx a part of the hypopharynx?

Answer 5

No, just the same level

Question 6

Aside from drinking and smoking (for whole question), what is the major RF for nasopharyngeal tumours?
Give the 2 major RF for Oropharyngeal tumours?
Give the 2 major RF for tonsilar cancers?

Answer 6

Drinking and smoking has a synergistic effect when it comes to increasing the risk of all of these cancers. In addition
Nasopharyngeal (EBV)
Oropharyngeal and tonsilar => HPV and poor dental hygiene

Question 7

What are the 3 types of stridor? Give a cause of each type
If the patient had a tumour, how would you tell where the tumour is based on the type?

Answer 7

Inspiratory => supraglottic => Foreign body, Anaphylaxis, croup (laryngotracheobronchitis), epiglottitis, congenital leukomalacia
Biphasic => glottic or at level of vocal cords => Tumour or foreign body most likely or neurological disorder
Expiratory => Infraglottic => Same as biphasic + COPD, Asthma, Bronchiolitis

All: Neurological disorders (affecting vocal cords), Trauma at each point

Question 8

A patient presents with a biphasic stridor, night sweats, weight loss, and hoarsness of voice. What is the diagnosis?

Answer 8

Biphasic => laryngeal cancer at the level of the vocal cords

Question 9

What is the medical term for Adam’s apple?

Answer 9

Laryngeal prominence

Question 10

What are the 7 subsites of the oral cavity

Answer 10

Its actually 6+1 to be most correct (lips)
Buccal mucosa
Retromolar trigones
Gingiva and alveolar margins
Hard palate
Anterior 2/3 of the tongue
Floor of mouth

Question 11

What is a Ranula?

Answer 11

Ranula is a cyst of saliva that forms from the sublingual or submandibular gland. This typically occurs due to duct blockage.