Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck (SCCHN)
Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck (SCCHN)
Locally Advanced Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Head and Neck (SCCHN) are a type of cancer that arises from tissues that line the upper respiratory tract (mouth, nose, pharynx, and larynx). They are one of the most common cancers of the head and neck, accounting for more than 40 percent of such cancers in the U.S. These tumors often spread locally before they are diagnosed, making surgery and radiation difficult to perform.
SCCHN is often associated with patient tobacco and/or alcohol usage, but there are genetic and environmental components to these cancers. The most common symptoms of SCCHN include a sore throat, persistent earache, changes in voice, difficulty swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, but these may vary depending on the location of the primary tumor.
Standard treatments for SCCHN include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery. In some cases, these treatments may be combined. Clinical trials are also being conducted to evaluate new potential treatments and therapies. The type of treatment and outcome achieved depends greatly on the size, stage, and location of the tumor.
Broader Implications of SCCHN
SCCHN can have far reaching effects on patients’ quality of life. In addition to physical symptoms such as pain and dysphagia, patients may experience depression and anxiety, as well as difficulties with speaking and a reduced sense of taste. SCCHN can also affect relationships and social functioning, and may limit patients’ ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed.
Risk Factors & Prevention
Although the exact causes of SCCHN are not clear, there are some known risk factors, including:
- Tobacco and alcohol use
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection
- Exposure to certain chemicals and toxic substances
- Occupational exposure to certain industrial products, such as wood dust and diesel exhaust
The most effective means of preventing SCCHN is to avoid or limit exposure to known risk factors. This includes quitting smoking and using tobacco products, limiting the amount of alcohol one consumes, and exercise caution when exposed to industrial products.