What is the recurrence rate of head and neck cancer?
Fifty percent to 60% of these patients develop a loco-regional recurrence within 2 years. In addition, 20% to 30% of those patients develop distant metastases. Second primary risk is about 2% to 4% per year, a rate of about 10% to 20% overall lifetime risk [1,2].
How long can you live with metastatic head and neck cancer?
At diagnosis, distant metastases of head and neck cancers are present in about 10% of cases with an additional 20-30% developing metastases during the course of their disease. Diagnosis of distant metastases is associated with unfavorable prognosis, with a median survival of about 10 months.
Can head and neck cancer spread to the brain?
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is notorious for local recurrence and metastatic spread to regional lymph nodes. Distant spread is uncommon, and brain involvement is rare.
Can head and neck cancer be cured?
Head and neck cancer is highly curable—often with single-modality therapy (surgery or radiation)—if detected early. More advanced head and neck cancers are generally treated with various combinations of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
How long does it take to recover from head and neck radiation?
Your skin will gradually heal after you finish treatment, but this often takes 3 to 4 weeks. Sometimes, skin reactions get worse during the week after you finish treatment. If this happens, call your doctor or nurse.
Does head and neck cancer return?
Where Does Head and Neck Cancer Usually Recur? It often returns where it initially occurred, which is called locoregional recurrence. It can recur in the oral cavity, tongue, lip, pharynx (throat behind the mouth and nasal cavity stopping above the esophagus and the larynx), or larynx (right below the pharynx).
Can you survive metastatic head and neck cancer?
INTRODUCTION The prognosis of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer is generally poor. The median survival in most series is 6 to 15 months depending on patient- and disease-related factors. Symptom-directed care plays an important role in the management of these patients.
What is the most common site for head and neck tumors?
The oral cavity was the most frequent anatomical site for the head and neck cancers accounting for 37.3 % of patients (Table 1).
What happens after head and neck radiation?
During radiation therapy, the skin and hair in the treatment area may change. After 2 to 3 weeks, your skin may become pink or tanned. Later in your treatment, your skin may become bright red or very dark. Your skin may feel dry, itchy, and look flaky.
Does head and neck cancer show in blood work?
Physical examination/blood and urine tests. The doctor will also inspect the nose, mouth, throat, and tongue for abnormalities, often using a light and a mirror for a clearer view. Blood and urine tests may be done to help diagnose cancer.