Neck Cancer Diagnosis Research Articles

Two week wait referral criteria - heading in the right direction?

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence referral guidelines prompting urgent two-week referrals were updated in 2015. Additional symptoms with a lower threshold of 3 per cent positive predictive values were integrated. This study aimed to examine whether current pan-London urgent referral guidelines for suspected head and neck cancer lead to efficient and accurate referrals by assessing frequency of presenting symptoms and risk factors, and examining their correlation with positive cancer diagnoses. The risk factors and symptoms of 984 consecutive patients (over a six-month period in 2016) were collected retrospectively from urgent referral letters to University College London Hospital for suspected head and neck cancer. Only 37 referrals (3.76 per cent) resulted in a head and neck cancer diagnosis. Four of the 23 recommended symptoms demonstrated statistically significant results. Nine of the 23 symptoms had a positive predictive value of over 3 per cent. The findings indicate that the current referral guidelines are not effective at detecting patients with cancer. Detection rates have decreased from 10-15 per cent to 3.76 per cent. A review of the current head and neck cancer referral guidelines is recommended, along with further data collection for comparison.

Next generation sequencing identifies novel diagnostic biomarkers for head and neck cancers

Salivary microRNAs (miRNAs) could potentially serve as biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of various types of oral cancer but the significance of it is yet to be fully elucidated. This article reports our study results on the role of salivary miRNAs and their potential use as biomarkers in head and neck cancer (HNC) diagnosis with an emphasis on oral cancers (OC). Supernatant saliva samples from 24 subjects, including 12 OC patients and 12 healthy individuals as a control group, were initially profiled using next generation sequencing (NGS). A novel miR-7703 was further validated in 160 samples collected from OC patients (n = 80) and controls (n = 80) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays. Data analysis revealed that 373 miRNA expressions were significantly decreased and 265 miRNA expressions were significantly increased in patients with OC (p ≤ 0.05). Of the 638 miRNA, twenty-seven were non-redundant miRNAs associated with OC (p ≤ 0.0001). Validation of the novel miR-7703 showed a significant increase in the OC group when compared to the control group. Most importantly, this pattern of increased expression was also positively correlated with tumour stage, lymph node metastasis status, and clinical stage. This study identified twenty-seven non-redundant, differentially expressed miRNAs associated with OC. These signatures include a number of novel miRNAs as well as those that have been previously reported in either oral or other cancers. However, miR-7703 is a previously uncharacterised miRNA with the potential to be a significant biomarker for the diagnosis of OC.

Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization as a Tool for HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a major risk factor for a subtype of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), which tends to be associated with a better outcome than alcohol- and tobacco-related OPSCC. Chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) of HPV viral RNA could allow the semiquantitative evaluation of viral transcripts of the oncogenic proteins E6 and E7 and an in situ visualization with a good spatial resolution. This technique allows the diagnosis of an active infection with the visualization of HPV transcription in the tumoral HPV-infected cells. An advantage of this technique is the avoidance of contamination from nonneoplastic HPV-infected cells adjacent to the tumor. Overall, its good diagnosis performances have it considered to be the gold standard for active HPV infection identification. Since E6 and E7 viral protein interaction with cell proteins pRb and p53 is mandatory for cell transformation, HPV RNA CISH is functionally relevant and acutely reflects active oncogenic HPV infection. This technique is clinically relevant as well since "low" or "high" HPV transcription levels helped the identification of two prognosis groups among HPV-related p16-positive head and neck cancer patients. Here we present the protocol for manual HPV RNA CISH performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) slides with a kit obtained from the manufacturer. Instead of chromogenic revelation, RNA in situ hybridization may also be performed with fluorescent revelation (RNA FISH). It may also be combined with conventional immunostaining.

Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization as a Tool for HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis

Chromogenic In Situ Hybridization as a Tool for HPV-Related Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis

PO-154 Early mortality after Head and Neck cancer diagnosis - Who and Why?

PO-154 Early mortality after Head and Neck cancer diagnosis - Who and Why?

Frailty as a Predictor of Postoperative Outcomes among Patients with Head and Neck Cancer.

To understand measures of frailty among preoperative patients and explain how these can predict perioperative outcomes among patients with head and neck cancer. Retrospective cross-sectional case series with chart review. Academic tertiary medical center. A retrospective review was performed of patients presenting to an academic hospital following a surgical procedure for a head and neck cancer diagnosis. Charts were queried for preoperative medical diagnoses to calculate 2 frailty scores: the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program modified frailty index and the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Groups frailty index. The American Society of Anesthesiologists classification system was also analyzed as a predictor. Primary outcomes were mortality, 30-day readmission, and length of stay. Perioperative complications and discharge disposition were also evaluated. A total of 410 charts were queried between January 2014 and December 2017. Mortality was 11%; mean ± SD length of stay was 7.4 ± 5.5 days; and the readmission rate was 17%. The modified frailty index score significantly increased the odds of mortality (odds ratio = 1.475, P = .012) and readmission (odds ratio = 1.472, P = .004), the length of stay (relative risk = 1.136, P = .001), and the number of perioperative complications. The American Society of Anesthesiologists classification was also significantly associated with poor outcomes, including readmission, length of stay, and perioperative complications. The Adjusted Clinical Groups index was not a significant predictor of outcomes in this study population. This study demonstrated a significant increase in poor perioperative outcomes and mortality among patients with head and neck cancer and increased frailty, as measured by the modified frailty index.

Impact of marginalization on tobacco use in individuals diagnosed with head and neck Cancer

BackgroundConsiderable evidence now indicates that individuals living in underprivileged neighbourhoods have higher rates of mortality and morbidity independent of individual-level characteristics. This study explored the impact of geographical marginalization on smoking cessation in a population of individuals with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer. The aims of this study were twofold: (1) assess the prevalence of smoking cessation in those with a previous diagnosis of head and neck cancer, (2) analyze the determinants of smoking alongside area-based measures of socioeconomic status.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study. We administered a self-reported nicotine dependence package to participants between the ages of 20–90 with a previous mucosal head and neck cancer diagnosis and with a history of tobacco use. Using the Canadian Marginalization (CAN-Marg) Index tool based on 2006 Canada Census data we compared the degree of marginalization to the smoking status. For those individuals who were currently smoking, nicotine dependence and readiness to quit were assessed. A summative score of marginalization was compared to smoking status of individuals.ResultsThe results from this study indicate that the summative level of marginalization developed from the combined factors of residential instability, material deprivation, ethnic concentration and dependency may be important factors in smoking cessation.ConclusionsThis analysis of determinants of smoking alongside area-based measures of socioeconomic status may implicate the need for targeted population-based smoking cessation interventions.

Contribution of psychiatric diagnoses to extent of opioid prescription in the first year post-head and neck cancer diagnosis: A longitudinal study.

The purpose of this study was to determine, within the first-year post-head and neck cancer (HNC) diagnosis, the contribution of past and upon HNC psychiatric diagnoses (ie, substance use disorder, major depressive disorder, and anxiety disorder) to the extent (ie, cumulated dose) of opioid prescription. Prospective longitudinal study of 223 consecutive adults (on 313 approached; 72% participation) newly diagnosed (<2weeks) with a first occurrence of primary HNC, including Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM-IV disorders, validated psychometric measures, and medical chart reviews. Opioid doses were translated into standardized morphine milligram equivalents (MME) using CDC guidelines. A model of variables was tested using multiple linear regression. Fifty-five percent (123/223) of patients received opioids at some point during the first 12months post-HNC diagnosis, 37.7% (84/223) upon HNC diagnosis (pre-treatment), 40.8% (91/223) during treatments, and 31.4% (70/223) post-treatment. The multiple linear regression indicated that an AD (P=0.04) upon HNC diagnosis in early stage contributes to cumulated MME dose in the first year post-HNC diagnosis. This study underlines how anxiety has important repercussions on the management of pain and illustrates the importance of screening for AD upon HNC diagnosis to allow for early prophylactic treatment and support.

Outcomes of urgent suspicion of head and neck cancer referrals in Glasgow.

Primary care patients with a suspected head and neck cancer are referred through the urgent suspicion of cancer referral pathway. Rates of cancer detection through this pathway are low. Evidence surrounding the pathway of these patients is lacking. This study aimed to determine the outcome of urgent suspicion of cancer referrals for head and neck cancer. All head and neck cancer urgent suspicion of cancer referrals in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde between June 2015 and May 2016 were analysed in regard to their clinical pathway. There were 2116 urgent suspicion of cancer referrals in the one-year period. The overall cancer rate was 235 (11.8%), compared with 152 (7.6%) that resulted in a primary head and neck cancer diagnosis. Of the total, 851 (42.6%) were reassured and discharged after one clinic appointment; 536 (26.8%) were followed up for suspected benign pathology and 436 (21.8%) were actively investigated for cancer. A significant proportion of patients attending urgent suspicion of cancer clinic appointments can be seen and discharged in one clinic appointment, provided there is same day imaging available. Cancer identification rates through urgent suspicion of cancer pathways remain low.

Diagnoses of suspected cancer in otolaryngology practices in Germany.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of suspected head and neck cancer (HNC) diagnoses made by otolaryngologists in a population with subsequently confirmed cancer diagnoses in Germany. This study included patients with an initial documentation of confirmed cancer diagnosis made in 137 otolaryngology practices between January 2012 and December 2016 (index date). The main outcome of the study was the prevalence of diagnoses of suspected cancer in otolaryngology practices within one year prior to the first documentation of a confirmed cancer diagnosis. The association between the defined demographic and clinical variables with diagnoses of suspected cancer was analyzed using a logistic regression model. A total of 6,446 patients received a confirmed cancer diagnosis. A total of 23.1% of the population received a diagnosis of suspected cancer within 12 months prior to the first documentation of a confirmed cancer diagnosis. Patients over the age of 50 (ORs ranging from 1.44 to 1.55) and men (OR=1.52) were more likely to receive a diagnosis of suspected cancer compared with patients aged 50 or under and women. Cancer of the pyriform sinus (OR=3.00) and cancer of the thyroid gland (OR=0.27) were associated with increased and decreased odds of a diagnosis of suspected cancer compared to laryngeal cancer respectively. Overall, approximately 23% of individuals received a diagnosis of suspected cancer within a year prior to the first documentation of confirmed HNC.

Rapid Nanophotonics Assay for Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis

Efficient and timely diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a critical challenge, particularly in low and middle income countries. These regions, which are expected to witness a drastic increase in HNSCC rates, are ill-prepared to handle the diagnostic burden due to limited resources, especially the low ratio of pathologists per population, resulting in delayed diagnosis and treatment. Here, we demonstrate the potential of an alternative diagnostic method as a low-cost, resource-efficient alternative to histopathological analysis. Our novel technology employs unique surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) “nanorattles” targeting cytokeratin nucleic acid biomarkers specific for HNSCC. In this first study using SERS diagnostics for head and neck cancers, we tested the diagnostic accuracy of our assay using patient tissue samples. In a blinded trial, our technique demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 89%, supporting its use as a useful alternative to histopathological diagnosis. The implications of our method are vast and significant in the setting of global health. Our method can provide a rapid diagnosis, allowing for earlier treatment before the onset of distant metastases. In comparison to histopathology, which can take several months in remote limited-resources regions, our method provides a diagnosis within a few hours.

Quality of life of head and neck cancer patients in urban and regional areas: An Australian perspective.

Head and neck cancer treatment affects quality of life. There are differences in quality of life outcomes and perceived supportive care needs between cancer patients living in metropolitan and regional-remote areas. This study investigated quality of life over the first 6months following head and neck cancer diagnosis and observed differences in quality of life by geographical location. Prospective observational study. Tertiary hospital in Brisbane, Australia. Newly diagnosed patients who were referred for the diagnosis, and/or treatment of head and neck cancer. Quality of life was measured by the University of Washington Quality of Life Survey, version 4 (UW-QoL). Participants completed the UW-QoL questionnaire prior to starting treatment, 1 month and 6 months post treatment. Metropolitan and regional or remote status was classified according to the Australian Standard Geographic Classification-Remoteness Area system. Ninety-five participants were included at baseline; 49 and 41 participants completed the 1-month and 6-month follow-ups, respectively. Scores in most UW-QoL domains decreased between baseline and 1 month post treatment and increased towards pre-treatment scores at the 6-month follow-up (except for anxiety and saliva). Pain at baseline was significantly worse in the regional-remote participants compared with metropolitan participants. No other statistically significant differences in UW-QoL score by geographical location were observed. The findings generally did not support significant differences in quality of life outcome between metropolitan and regional-remote head and neck cancer patients. The difference in pain experience between metropolitan and regional-remote groups requires further investigation.

Tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking at diagnosis of head and neck cancer and all-cause mortality: Results from head and neck 5000, a prospective observational cohort of people with head and neck cancer.

Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption are well‐established risk factors for head and neck cancer. The prognostic role of smoking and alcohol intake at diagnosis have been less well studied. We analysed 1,393 people prospectively enrolled into the Head and Neck 5000 study (oral cavity cancer, n=403; oropharyngeal cancer, n=660; laryngeal cancer, n=330) and followed up for a median of 3.5 years. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality. We used Cox proportional hazard models to derive minimally adjusted (age and gender) and fully adjusted (age, gender, ethnicity, stage, comorbidity, body mass index, HPV status, treatment, education, deprivation index, income, marital status, and either smoking or alcohol use) mortality hazard ratios (HR) for the effects of smoking status and alcohol intake at diagnosis. Models were stratified by cancer site, stage and HPV status. The fully‐adjusted HR for current versus never‐smokers was 1.7 overall (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1, 2.6). In stratified analyses, associations of smoking with mortality were observed for oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancers (fully adjusted HRs for current smokers: 1.8 (95% CI=0.9, 3.40 and 2.3 (95% CI=0.8, 6.4)). We found no evidence that people who drank hazardous to harmful amounts of alcohol at diagnosis had a higher mortality risk compared to non‐drinkers (HR=1.2 (95% CI=0.9, 1.6)). There was no strong evidence that HPV status or tumour stage modified the association of smoking with survival. Smoking status at the time of a head and neck cancer diagnosis influenced all‐cause mortality in models adjusted for important prognostic factors.

Post-traumatic stress in head and neck cancer survivors and their partners.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) diagnosis and treatment are distressing and have immediate detrimental impacts on functioning and quality of life (QoL). Nevertheless, little is known about long-term psychosocial effects. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and correlates of clinical post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and subclinical post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in HNC patients surviving more than 2years since treatment and in their partners. HNC survivors identified from the cancer registry of a London hospital and their partners completed measures of PTSS, depression and anxiety, fear of cancer recurrence, social support, appearance concerns and health-related QoL. Data regarding their clinical and demographic characteristics were also collected. Correlations, as well as linear and logistic regression coefficients, were calculated to estimate associations with PTSS scores. In this analysis of 93 HNC survivors, at a mean of 6years (SD = 4) after treatment, 33.4% reported PTSS and 11.8% met the criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fear of cancer recurrence was independently associated with PTSS (p < .01). In subgroup analyses of patient-partner dyads, 15.4% of patients and 12.8% of partners reported PTSD, with a further 33.3% of patients and 25.7% of partners demonstrating PTSS. Patients' and partners' scores did not differ significantly (p > .05). This is the first examination of post-traumatic stress in survivors of HNC and shows that high levels of cancer-related PTSS exist for many years after diagnosis in both patients and their partners.

Deprivation in relation to urgent suspicion of head and neck cancer referrals in Glasgow.

To examine deprivation measured by the Scottish index of multiple deprivation (SIMD) and its relation to urgent suspicion of head and neck cancer referrals. A secondary aim was to examine the symptomatology generating urgent suspicion of cancer (USOC) referrals by SIMD category. All "urgent suspicion of cancer" referrals to the GGC ENT department over a one-year period, between 2015 and 2016, were reviewed. Information was recorded anonymously and included demographics and red flag referral symptoms. A total of 1998 patients were assessed, 43.4% (n = 867) were male. A total of 171 (8.6%) patients had primary head and neck cancer. A total of 61 patients had other types of cancer, giving an all cause cancer rate of 11.6%. About 71.3% of primary patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) were male. The most common SIMD category observed was SIMD1, the most common SIMD category yielding a primary head and neck cancer diagnosis was SIMD1. Neck lump was the commonest symptom amongst all SIMD categories. A link between deprivation and USOC referrals has been established. A difference in gender distribution between referrals and HNC was observed, more females are referred but a significantly higher number of patients with HNC are males. Neck lump is a very strong referral indicator for HNC and intermittent hoarseness is not. The findings from this analysis could be used to refine local referral patterns and priority of referral.

Circular RNAs in head and neck cancer diagnosis and potential molecular targeting

Circular RNAs in head and neck cancer diagnosis and potential molecular targeting

Current State of Knowledge on Salivary Gland Cancers.

Salivary gland cancers (SGCs), categorized as head and neck cancers (HNCs), constitute about 6% of head and neck cancer diagnoses based on estimate by American Head and Neck Society. Salivary gland tumors originate from different glandular cell types and are thus morphologically diverse. These tumors arise from any of the three major and various minor salivary glands. The incidence of SGCs has slowly increased during the last four decades. The etiology of SGCs is mostly unknown; however, specific gene mutations are associated with certain types of salivary tumors. Treatment options include surgical resection, radiation therapy (RT), chemotherapy, and multimodality therapy. HNC patients treated with RT often develop xerostomia and salivary hypofunction due to damaged salivary glands. In this review, we discuss etiology of SGCs, present findings on the role of autophagy in salivary tumorigenesis, review adverse effects of radiation treatment, and examine remedies for restoration of salivary function.

Predictors for oral cancer in Brazil

Abstract Introduction The incidence of lip, oral cavity and oropharynx cancer in Brazil is one of the highest worldwide. Objective This study aimed to identify predictors for oral cancer in Brazil between 2010 and 2013. Method Through a time series study in which 14,959 primary head and neck cancer diagnoses were evaluated. The variables of interest were gender, age, race, education level, family history of cancer, alcohol consumption, smoking, and previous cancer diagnosis. The outcome variable was divided into “oral cancer” and “cancer of other head and neck regions.” The data were analysed by multiple binary logistic regression; α=5%. Result The protective factor was: approximately 12 years of education (OR = 0.85). The risk factors were: being an ex-consumer (OR=1.19) or consumer (OR=1.11) of alcohol, tobacco use (OR=1.35) and a prior diagnosis of cancer that went untreated (OR=1.21). Conclusion Was concluded that the oral cancer had the following predictors compared to other types of head and neck cancer during the same period: approximately 12 years of education (protective factor) and ex-consumer or consumer of alcohol, smoking and previous diagnosis of cancer that went untreated (risk factors).

Perspectives, potentials and trends of ex vivo and in vivo optical molecular pathology.

It is pivotal for medical applications, such as noninvasive histopathologic characterization of tissue, to realize label-free and molecule-specific representation of morphologic and biochemical composition in real-time with subcellular spatial resolution. This unmet clinical need requires new approaches for rapid and reliable real-time assessment of pathologies to complement established diagnostic tools. Photonic imaging combined with digitalization offers the potential to provide the clinician the requested information both under in vivo and ex vivo conditions. This report summarizes photonic approaches and their use in combination with image processing, machine learning and augmented virtual reality that might solve current challenges in modern medicine. Details are given for pathology, intraoperative diagnosis in head and neck cancer and endoscopic diagnosis in gastroenterology.

Radiation 101: A Guide for Speech-Language Pathologists

Dysphagia, or disordered swallowing, is an unfortunate consequence for individuals with a head and neck cancer diagnosis. Swallowing is altered in many ways due to tumor location and presence, and afterwards due to the mechanisms of tumor eradication. As a common treatment, radiation therapy (RT) has been proven to halt tumor progression and kill quickly growing cancer cells. However, the side effects of such treatments are often prominent in this patient population. As swallowing professionals, it is important that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) understand the repercussions of RT for those patients undergoing such treatments. This paper aims to provide a basic overview of RT for clinicians working with head and neck cancer patients.