13. Oral Cancer (OMFS) Flashcards
What is the prognosis for HNC ?
50%
What is the main aetiological factors for cancer of the mouth ?
Local carcinogens - smoking, alcohol, paan, khat.
Persistent inflammation.
What is the main aetiological factors for cancer of the oropharynx ?
Local carcinogens - smoking, alcohol, paan, khat.
Persistent inflammation.
HPV.
What things would make you consider urgent suspicion of cancer referral ?
Head and neck lump persisting for >3 weeks.
Unexplained ulceration persisting for >3 weeks.
Unexplained red or mixed red and white patches persisting >3 weeks.
Persistent hoarseness lasting >3 weeks.
Persistent pain in throat or pain on swallowing lasting >3 weeks.
What are some common symptoms of oral cancer affecting bone ?
Trismus. Jaw fracture. Unexplained loosening of teeth. Acquired malocclusion.
What are some common symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer ?
Dysarthria. Unilateral earache. Pain on eating. Unexplained weight loss. Coughing blood.
What are some common symptoms of oral cancer affecting mucosa ?
Pain on eating. Submucosal mass lesion. Numbness of face. Verrucous lesion. Hemi-tongue atrophy/fasciculation. Nasal obstruction or blood stained rhinorrhoea.
In cancer staging and grading, what is Stage T cancer ?
Primary tumour.
In cancer staging and grading, what is Stage N cancer ?
Regional lymph nodes.
In cancer staging and grading, what is Stage M cancer ?
Distant metastasis.
What does cN0 mean ?
No lymph node involvement.
What levels of lymph nodes are most relevant to oral cancer and should be removed during primary resection in a cN0 patient ?
Level 1, 2, 3.
Will have microscopic metastases and should be removed in primary resection of the tumour.
Define sentinel nodes.
Those with direct lymphatic afferent from the primary tumour.
What is the toxicity of cancer treatment ?
Xerostomia.
What are late toxicity features of cancer treatment ?
ORN, fibrosis/vascular depletion, dysphagia, flexion deformity, trismus, hypothyroidism.
