Head and Neck Cancers

Question 1

Head and Neck consists of what anatomical sites

Answer 1

Oral Cavity 
Larynx 
Pharynx 
Sinus Cavity 
Salivary Glands

Question 2

What is the main type of histologic cell type involved in head and neck cancers?

Answer 2

Squamous

Cells that line much of the mucosal lining in the oral cavity and esophagus

Question 3

Risk factors for Head and Neck Cancers

Answer 3

• Alcohol Consumption
• Tobacco (cigarettes, chewing tobacco)
• Use of betel quid: combination of nut and tobacco used by some southeast asian populations
• Poor oral hygiene
• Epstein barr, Papillomavirus virus
• Radiation exposure
• Occupational exposure to carcinogens
• Men 2x more risk than women

Question 4

Human papillomavirus-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas characteristics

Answer 4

• detected often in young caucasian males
• often acquired through oral-genital sex
• increased incidence in tonsillar cancer

Question 5

Risk reduction

Answer 5

Smoke free lifestyle, tobacco cessation
Avoid alcohol
Limit sexual partners
Dental apts to spot some cancers at early stage

Question 6

S/S of Head and Neck Cancers

Answer 6

• Swelling on one side of face or neck
• Sore or ulcer that does not heal
• Continued sore throat
• Halitosis unrelieved by oral hygiene
• Hoarseness
• Voice change
• Numbness in face/neck
• Pain, weight, loss, fatigue

Question 7

Diagnosis of Head and Neck Cancers

Answer 7

Annual physical exam (esp for tobacco/alcohol use)
HPV status
Biopsy, US, endoscopy, CT scan, MRI, PET, swallowing eval

Question 8

One of the chemos used to treat

Answer 8

Cetuximab -> bc EGFR of squamous cell carcinoma