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Can head and neck cancer patients be discharged after three years?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 October 2013

R Kumar ,
G Putnam ,
P Dyson  and
A K Robson
R Kumar*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, UK
G Putnam
Affiliation:
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, UK
P Dyson
Affiliation:
Department of Oncology, Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, UK
A K Robson
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr R Kumar, Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Cumberland Infirmary, Newtown Rd, Carlisle CA2 7HY, UK E-mail: drrohitkumar@doctors.org.uk
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Abstract

Background:

Follow-up surveillance of head and neck cancer patients varies throughout the UK. The heterogeneity of these patients limits the applicability of a standardised protocol. Improvements in our understanding of the natural history of the disease may assist in the tailoring of resources to patients.

Method:

Prospective data collected at the Cumberland Infirmary over a 13-year period were analysed, primarily focusing upon recurrence rates and time to recurrence.

Results:

In keeping with other studies, recurrence of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma was found to be maximal within the first three years of treatment, regardless of subsite.

Conclusion:

Hospital-based surveillance may be safely discontinued after three years for some patients. Laryngeal carcinoma may require further surveillance due to possible delayed recurrence of a second primary formation. Emphasis must be placed on patient education, accessibility to head and neck services, and the existence of a robust system to facilitate urgent referrals.

Keywords

Head And Neck NeoplasmsCarcinoma, Squamous CellMouth NeoplasmsHypopharyngeal NeoplasmsOropharyngeal NeoplasmsNasopharyngeal NeoplasmsLaryngeal Neoplasms, NeoplasmsUnknown PrimaryDuty To Follow Up
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 127 , Issue 10 , October 2013 , pp. 991 - 996
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2013 

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