HNC and Dysphagia Review

Aerodigestive Tract

Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Oral Cavity, Hypopharynx, Larynx, Paranasal Sinuses (frontal and sphenoid)

HNSCC

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

HPV

Human Papillomavirus

Non-HPV Associated HNC Risk Factors

Tobacco and alcohol use, more common in males, average age 66yrs

Leukoplakia

White plaques

Erythroplakia

Superficial velvety red oral mucosal lesions

Odynophagia

Painful swallowing, burning/stabbing/aching pain in mouth/throat/esophagus

Fanconi Anemia

Inherited disorder that disrupts bone marrow function and reduces red blood cell production increasing cancer risk

Lymphadenopathy

Swelling/enlargement of lymphnodes caused by infection, inflammation, or cancer

Trismus of Neck

Limited mouth opening due to pain or muscle spasms

Radiation Fibrosis of Neck

Long term effect of radiotherapy, chronic scarring/tightening or tissue reducing flexibility

What % of HNC is squamous cell carcinoma

90%

What % of oropharynx cancer associated with HPV infection

60-70%

What is the standard HNC treatment

Surgery or radiotherapy

Chemotherapy vs Radiotherapy

Chemotherapy - drug administration, used for advanced diseases

Radiotherapy - high energy beams targeted at tumor