Head and Neck Cancer Flashcards
What are the most common causes of head and neck cancer?
Tobacco Alcohol Viruses Betel nut Hardwood
Why does culture have a role in head and neck cancer?
Different cultures use tobacco in different ways (e.g. chewing tobacco vs smoking)
Indian subcontinent also chew Betel Nuts which play a role in mouth cancer
What occupation is at risk of sinus cancer due to hardwood?
Joiners
Due to inhalation of hardwood particles
Why is it important to palpate lesions found in the mouth?
They can feel bigger than they look
What viruses most commonly cause head and neck cancers?
Epstein Barr virus - nasopharyngeal carcinoma
HPV - Tonsillar/throat cancer
If a neck lump is found, what are the first line investigations?
Ultrasound
Fine needle aspiration (with no anaesthesia)
What is involved in a CT cancer staging scan
CT of the head and neck
Lymph nodes
Chest and Liver
What is the most common type of cancer in the head and neck?
Squamous cell
What other cancer outwith the head and neck can cause hoarseness?
Lung cancer (pressing on recurrent laryngeal nerve)
Where in the neck is the most common site for metastases to present?
Left clavicle
this is where most lymph drainage occurs
What other type of cancer commonly presents with neck lumps?
Lymphoma (affects lymph, spleen and liver)
What is a common “B symptom” of lymphoma?
Night sweats
Why should stridor prompt an investigation into any head and neck cancer?
Mass is narrowing/obstructing the airway
What are the 6 Ts which refer pain to the ear?
Teeth Tongue Tonsils Throat Thyroid TMJ
