Head and Neck Cancer

Question 1

Normal histology

Answer 1

Squamous cell carinomas arising from squamous cells of mucosa

Question 2

Potential locations

Answer 2

• Nasal cavity
• Paranasal sinuses
• Mouth
• Salivary glands
• Pharynx
• Larynx

Question 3

CLINICAL FEATURES

Red flags

Answer 3

• Lump in mouth or lip
• Unexplained ulceration in mouth > 3 weeks
• Erythroplakia or erythroleukoplakia
• Persistent neck lump
• Unexplained hoarseness of voice
• Unexplained thyroid lump

Question 4

MANAGEMENT

General

Answer 4

• MDT team, depending on factors such as location
• TNM staging
• Treatment can be combination of
  
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiotherapy
  • Surgery
  • Targeted cancer drugs (eg monoclonal antibodies
  • Palliative care

Question 5

Example of monoclonal antibody for treatment of squamous cell cancer in head and neck

Answer 5

Cetuximab