Head and neck

doi:10.1017/CBO9780511545375.009

8 - Head and neck

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 23 December 2009

Laura Moss and

Edited by

Tom Crosby and

Laura Moss: Affiliation:
Consultant, Clinical Oncologist, Velindre Cancer Centre, Velindre Hospital, Whitchurch, Cardiff, UK
Chris Gaffney: Affiliation:
Consultant, Clinical Oncologist, Velindre Cancer Centre, Velindre Hospital, Whitchurch, Cardiff, UK
Louise Hanna: Affiliation:
Velindre Hospital, Cardiff
Tom Crosby: Affiliation:
Velindre Hospital, Cardiff
Fergus Macbeth: Affiliation:
Velindre Hospital, Cardiff

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Summary

Introduction

It is not possible in a book with this format to discuss the treatment details for each tumour type, stage and subsite. This chapter highlights treatment principles and controversies.

This chapter covers the anatomical sites of the lip, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nose, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands, middle ear and squamous carcinoma of unknown primary. The first section considers general features of head and neck cancer. Subsequent sections focus on specific tumour sites.

General features of head and neck tumours

Types of head and neck tumour

The majority of head and neck cancers are squamous carcinomas, which account for 90% of all cases. The range of tumours is shown in Table 8.1.

Incidence and epidemiology of head and neck tumours

Approximately 8000 new cases occur per year in England and Wales (CRUK, 2004).
Approximately 3000 deaths occur per year in England and Wales (CRUK, 2004).
The UK annual incidence is approximately 14/100,000 cases per year (CRUK, 2004).
Regional variation in the UK is 8 per 100,000 in the Thames region compared to 13 to 15 per 100,000 in Wales and northwest England (NICE, 2004).
Head and neck tumours are more common in males than females (male-to-female ratio of 2:1), except for salivary gland tumours.
Incidence increases from middle age, with peak incidence occurring in the 60- to 75-age group.

Risk factors and aetiology for head and neck tumours

Prolonged exposure to environmental factors plays a key role.

Information

Type: Chapter
Information: Practical Clinical Oncology , pp. 93 - 120

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511545375.009 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2008

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