Dear Steve,
I found you on the net whilst I was trying to find some information on
Keratinising Squigmosis cell carcenoma. My father claims that this is
the diagnosis from a biopsy done on a lump on his neck near his carotid
artery. He says that this is the secondary tumor and that they seem
unable to find the primary one. They plan to remove it immediately and
commence radiation therapy. Is the name correct? Where am I able to read
about it? The doctors really do not seem to be very forthcoming with
information and I'm not really sure where to find some info. Any light
you can throw on the subject would be appreciated.
Kind regards
Reply: --------------------
Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy affecting the structures of the head and neck excluding the eye and brain. The origin of this type of malignant cell is from epithelial cells which comprise the lining of the nasal and sinus passages, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx. Chronic usage of tobacco and alcohol are the most significant risk factors in the development of this type of malignancy. These cancers usually have their origin in the lining of the mouth, throat, or vocal cords. Initially they can then spread to the lymph nodes in the neck and more advanced spread can occur to the lungs, liver, brain, or bone. Surgery alone or radiation therapy alone are generally equally effective and can achieve fairly good cure rates in very early stage cancers. Combined therapy with surgery and radiation therapy is the recommended treatment for more advanced stages. Once spread has occurred to lymph nodes in the neck it is considered advanced and therefore, based upon the information you have provided, the treatment that has been recommended for you father is appropriate assuming there is no evidence of spread of cancer elsewhere. When cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes of the neck, attempts at cure are generally futile and palliative therapy and comfort measures are the most appropriate approach.
We occasionally encounter squamous cell cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes of the neck from a presumably microscopic point of origin which may not be found. In this situation, if a comprehensive evaluation has failed to identify the origin of the cancer, surgical removal of the lymph nodes in the neck combined with radiation therapy to the head and neck structures is the current recommended therapeutic strategy.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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