Head and neck cancer

Question 1

what is the usual type of head and neck cancer

Answer 1

squamous cell carcinomas

-arising from the squamous cells of the mucosa

Question 2

locations of potential head and neck cancer

Answer 2

nasal cavity

paranasal sinuses

mouth

salivary glands

pharynx (throat)

larynx (eepiglottis, supraglottis, vocal cords, glottis, subglottis)

Question 3

what can commonly happen with head and neck cancers
-what do they become

Answer 3

usually spread to lymph nodes first
-may be found in enlarged abnormal lymph node

-if original tumour cannot be found this is called cancer of unknown primary

Question 4

risk factors for head and neck cancer 6

Answer 4

smoking

chewing tobacco

chewing betel quid (habit in south-east Asia)

alcohol

HPV- particularly strain 16

EBV

Question 5

sx and syx (red flags) of head and neck cancer 7

Answer 5

lump in mouth or on the lip

unexplained ulceration in mouth lasting more than 3 wks

erythroplakia- abnormal red lesions on mucosa of mouth

erythroleukoplakia- abnormal red and white lesions on mucos of the mouth

persistent neck lump

unexplained hoarness of voice

unexplained thyroid lump

Question 6

management of head and neck cacner

Answer 6

guided by MDT
-dependent on locatoin, stage and individual patient factors

-stage the TNM

Treatment includes combo of:
-chemo
-radio
-surgery
-monoclonal ab
-palliative care

Question 7

state an example of a monoclonal ab used for head and neck cancer and its MOA

Answer 7

cetuximab
-treats squamous cell carcinomas
-can also be used to treat bowel cancer

targets epidermal growth factor receptor
-blocking this receptor and inhibiting growth and metasis of the tumour