Head and Neck Carcinoma

Question 1

What is the most common type of head and neck cancer and how does it metastasise?

Answer 1

1. Squamous cell carcinomas

2. Lymphatic system

Question 2

What is this a presentation of?

Unilateral middle ear effusion, epistaxis, nasal blockage.

Answer 2

Nasopharyngeal cancer

Question 3

What is this a presentation of?

Asymmetrical tonsils, persistent pain in throat/ear, feeling of lump in throat, dysphagia.

Answer 3

Oropharyngeal cancer

Question 4

What is this a presentation of?

Throat/ear pain, dysphagia, dysphonia.

Answer 4

Hypopharyngeal cancer

Question 5

What is this a presentation of?

Non-healing ulcer, lump or lesion in oral cavity.

Answer 5

Oral cavity cancer

Question 6

What is this a presentation of?

Persistent unexplained hoarseness, dysphagia, otalgia, throat pain.

Answer 6

Laryngeal cancer (most common head and neck tumour site)

Question 7

How is suspected head and neck carcinoma investigated?

Answer 7

1. Refer under 2 week wait to ENT
2. Fibre-optic endoscopy of upper aerodigestive tract
3. FNA and not core biopsy lymph nodes
4. CT/MRI to stage

Question 8

What is the general treatment for head and neck carcinoma?

Answer 8

Surgery/radiotherapy/chemotherapy