Carcinoma (Squamous Cell of Head and Neck)

Definition

Definition of Carcinoma (Squamous Cell of Head and Neck)
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of nonmelanoma skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma {BCC} is the most common skin cancer) and accounts for 20% of cutaneous malignancies and 90% of all head and neck cancers. Unlike most BCCs, SCCs of the skin are associated with a risk of metastasis. A malignant tumor of epithelial origin, SCC has a regional distribution involved in the biologic activity of the neoplasm. The behavior of SCC depends on its site of origin. Each anatomic site has its own particular spread pattern and prognosis. SCC frequently arises on the sun-exposed skin of middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Most SCCs are readily identified and removed in the physician's office as a minor surgical procedure. Larger and more invasive lesions may require aggressive surgical management, radiation therapy, or both. High-risk SCC carries a significant risk of metastasis and, as such, requires careful evaluation and treatment. An estimated 8000 cases of nodal metastasis and 3000 deaths occur in the United States annually, almost wholly attributable to aggressive or high-risk SCC.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Carcinoma (Squamous Cell of Head and Neck)
The signs and symptoms of head and neck cancers may include a lump or a sore that does not heal, a sore throat that does not go away, difficulty in swallowing, and a change or hoarseness in the voice. These symptoms may also be caused by other, less serious conditions. It is important to check with a doctor or dentist about any of these symptoms.

Causes

Causes of Carcinoma (Squamous Cell of Head and Neck)
The most important risk factors for head and neck cancers are alcohol and tobacco use (including use of smokeless tobacco, sometimes called “chewing tobacco” or “snuff”). These risk factors are particularly important for cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. At least 75 percent of head and neck cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk of developing these cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone. Tobacco and alcohol use are not risk factors for salivary gland cancers.

Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is a risk factor for some types of head and neck cancers, particularly oropharyngeal cancer that involves the tonsils or the base of the tongue. In the United States, the incidence of oropharyngeal cancers caused by HPV infection is increasing, while the incidence of oropharyngeal cancers related to other causes is falling. More information is available in the HPV and Cancer fact sheet.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Carcinoma (Squamous Cell of Head and Neck)
To find the cause of the signs or symptoms of a problem in the head and neck area, a doctor evaluates a person’s medical history, performs a physical examination, and orders diagnostic tests. The exams and tests may vary depending on the symptoms. Examination of a sample of tissue under a microscope is always necessary to confirm a diagnosis of cancer.

Treatment

Treatment of Carcinoma (Squamous Cell of Head and Neck)
The treatment plan for an individual patient depends on a number of factors, including the exact location of the tumor, the stage of the cancer, and the person’s age and general health. Treatment for head and neck cancer can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of treatments.

Prognosis

Prognosis of Carcinoma (Squamous Cell of Head and Neck)
Although patients infrequently die from cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), these tumors can cause significant morbidity. Most cutaneous SCCs are located in the head and neck region, where surgery for advance stage disease can be disfiguring. Furthermore, the cost of treatment has been shown to pose a significant public health burden. In a study of the Medicare population, the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancers ranked fifth among the most expensive cancers to treat. Like many cancers, cutaneous SCC is classified according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC)/International Union Against Cancer (UICC) "tumor, node, metastasis" (TNM) staging system. This anatomy-based staging system is designed to stratify patients into general prognostic cohorts based on the size and extent of disease (see SCC Staging and Classification).

Prevention

Prevention of Carcinoma (Squamous Cell of Head and Neck)
Consult with your doctor.