head and neck cancer

Question 1

head and neck cancer is an umbrella term. what does it include?

Answer 1

• oral cavity cancers
• cancers of the pharynx (including oropharynx, hypopharnyx and nasopharynx)
• cancers of larynx

Question 2

what are the features of head and neck cancers?

Answer 2

• neck lump
• hoarseness
• persistent sore throat
• persistent mouth ulcer

Question 3

for laryngeal cancer, when should you consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks)?

Answer 3

in people aged 45 or over with:

• persistent unexplained hoarseness or
• unexplained neck lump

Question 4

for oral cancer, when should you consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks)?

Answer 4

• unexplained ulceration in the oral cavity lasting > 3 weeks or
• persistent and unexplained neck lump

assessment by dentist:

• lump on lip / in oral cavity or
• red / red and white patch in oral cavity consistent with erythroplakia or erythroleukoplakia

Question 5

for thyroid cancer, when should you consider a suspected cancer pathway referral (for an appointment within 2 weeks)?

Answer 5

in people with an unexplained thyroid lump