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Exploring the association between prior cancer history and risk of head and neck cancer: insights from a multi-centre retrospective case–control study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 November 2024

Sabina Dranova Open the ORCID record for Sabina Dranova [Opens in a new window] ,
Zohaib Siddiqui Open the ORCID record for Zohaib Siddiqui [Opens in a new window] ,
Sterling Roberts ,
Numrah Hussan  and
Emma Molena
Sabina Dranova*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Medway Maritime Hospital NHS Trust, UK
Zohaib Siddiqui
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK
Sterling Roberts
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Medway Maritime Hospital NHS Trust, UK
Numrah Hussan
Affiliation:
Accident and Emergency Department, Royal Surrey Hospital NHS Trust , Guildford, UK
Emma Molena
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Medway Maritime Hospital NHS Trust, UK
*
Corresponding author: Sabina Dranova; Email: neosabina@inbox.lv
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Abstract

Objective

This study investigates the association between a history of previous cancers and the subsequent risk of developing head and neck cancer.

Method

A retrospective case–control design was employed, analysing 561 patient records from two National Health Service hospitals, with 273 patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer and 288 patients serving as controls.

Results

Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between prior cancer history, particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and increased risk of developing head and neck cancer (p < 0.05). Subtype analysis highlighted specific head and neck cancers, such as oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancers, as particularly associated with a history of SCC.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that previous cancer diagnoses, especially SCC, may predispose individuals to head and neck cancer, challenging the traditional focus on tobacco, alcohol and human papillomavirus as primary risk factors. These results underscore the need for incorporating prior cancer history into risk assessment protocols and surveillance strategies to improve early detection and patient outcomes.

Keywords

CarcinomaSquamous CellNeoplasmsRisk factorsOropharynxLarynxRecurrenceRisk assessment

Information

Type
Main Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 139 , Issue 7 , July 2025 , pp. 610 - 614
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED.

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Footnotes

Sabina Dranova takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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