← All NEET MDS Topics

Head & Neck Cancer — TNM Staging

General Surgery • NEET MDS Study Guide • AI-Generated Notes

⭐ High-Yield Facts for Exam

  • T1 ≤2 cm, T2 2-4 cm, T3 >4 cm, T4 invasion.
  • Depth of invasion modifies T.
  • Nodal status strongly affects prognosis.
  • Radical neck dissection = levels I-V + SCM/IJV/CN XI.
  • Modified radical spares ≥1 structure.

Head & Neck Cancer — TNM Staging

T (Tumour size, oral cavity)

  • T1 ≤ 2 cm; T2 2-4 cm; T3 > 4 cm; T4 invades adjacent structures (cortical bone, deep muscle, etc.). (Depth of invasion now also modifies T.)

N (Regional nodes)

N0 = none; N1 = single ipsilateral ≤3 cm; higher N for larger/multiple/bilateral nodes or extranodal extension. Nodal status strongly affects prognosis.

Neck Dissection

  • Radical neck dissection — removes levels I-V plus the sternocleidomastoid, internal jugular vein and accessory nerve.
  • Modified radical — spares one or more of those non-lymphatic structures.
  • Selective — preserves additional nodal levels.

Exam Tips ⭐

T1 ≤2 cm, T2 2-4 cm, T3 >4 cm; radical neck dissection removes levels I-V + 3 structures.

📝 Practice MCQs — Head & Neck Cancer — TNM Staging

Q1. In oral cancer TNM, T2 corresponds to a tumour of:
A. ≤2 cm
B. 2-4 cm
C. >4 cm
D. Any size with nodes
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
T2 is 2-4 cm in greatest dimension.
Q2. Radical neck dissection removes lymph node levels:
A. I-III
B. I-V
C. II-IV
D. III-V
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
Radical neck dissection clears levels I-V.
Q3. A modified radical neck dissection differs by:
A. Removing more nodes
B. Sparing ≥1 non-lymphatic structure (SCM/IJV/CN XI)
C. Removing the mandible
D. Adding radiation
Show Answer
✅ Answer: B
It preserves one or more of SCM, IJV or accessory nerve.
📧 Get Free NEET MDS MCQs in Your Inbox
50 high-yield MCQs + mnemonics + AI study tips — completely free
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Related Topics

Oral Squamous Cell CarcinomaWound HealingBiopsy Techniques