Which glottic subsites have the richest lymphatic drainage, making early lymph node metastasis most likely?
- A Supraglottis ✓
- B True vocal cords
- C Subglottis
- D Posterior commissure only
Correct answer: A. Supraglottis
Explanation
The supraglottic larynx has abundant bilateral lymphatic drainage to levels II, III, and IV, explaining the high rate of cervical node metastasis even from early supraglottic tumours (~40% at presentation). The true vocal cords have virtually no lymphatics and rarely metastasise at T1 stage. The subglottis drains to paratracheal and pretracheal nodes. This lymphatic anatomy influences neck dissection planning in laryngeal cancer management.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.