Head and neck cancer

Question 1

What type of cancer accounts for around 90% of all head and neck cancers?

Answer 1

Squamous cell carcinoma

Question 2

Name four important risk factors for development of SCC.

Answer 2

Smoking; excessive alcohol intake; HPV seropositivity; poor dentition

Question 3

What are the red flag symptoms for head and neck cancer?

Answer 3

Persistent: hoarseness, throat pain, dysphagia, lump, stridor, facial palsy/weakness

Question 4

How is a potential head/neck cancer investigated?

Answer 4

Thorough clinical examination; fibre-optic endoscopy; biopsy (fine needle aspirate, endoscopy), CT/MRI, X-ray if lung cancer suspected

Question 5

What staging system is used for head and neck tumours?

Answer 5

TNM: T (extent of primary tumour) N (involvement of lymph nodes) M (evidence of metastatic disease)

Question 6

How are early-stage cancers managed?

Answer 6

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy

Question 7

How are more advanced tumours treated?

Answer 7

Surgery and radiotherapy