Screening for Oesophageal Cancer in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Scherübl H, Lampe B von, Faiss S, Däubler P, Bohlmann P, Plath T, Foss H-D, Scherer H, Strunz A, Hoffmeister B, Stein H, Zeitz M, Riecken E-O
Primary Institution: University Hospital Benjamin Franklin, Free University of Berlin
Hypothesis
The study aims to define the risk of oesophageal cancer in patients with (previous) head and neck cancer.
Conclusion
The study found a high risk of squamous cell neoplasia of the oesophagus in patients with (previous) head and neck cancer, suggesting that surveillance is recommended for this high-risk group.
Supporting Evidence
- 10 of the 148 patients (6.8%) had low- or high-grade squamous cell dysplasia.
- 11 of the 148 patients (7.4%) were diagnosed with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
- Most invasive cancers (63.6%) occurred metachronously.
Takeaway
Patients who have had head and neck cancer are at a higher risk of developing oesophageal cancer, so doctors should check them regularly.
Methodology
The study involved prospectively screening 148 patients with head and neck cancer using video-oesophagoscopy and random oesophageal biopsies.
Potential Biases
The high frequency of oesophageal cancer may be influenced by the specific patient population referred to the hospital.
Limitations
The study may have been biased by the referral practice to a specialized hospital.
Participant Demographics
Patients ranged in age from 34 to 89 years, with an average age of 61.0 years; 42 were women.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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