10 - Head and neck cancer Flashcards
1
Q
What guidance is available for head and neck cancer?
A
- Scottish cancer referral guidelines
- NICE
- British association of H&N oncologists MD management guidelines
- RCOS
- ENT UK
2
Q
What is involved in dental pre-treatment assessment?
A
- full exam and radiographs including OPT
- identify existing disease and infection risks
- remove any potential infection risks
- prepare patient for side effects of cancer treatment
- prevention
3
Q
What are the side effects of surgical resection?
A
- alterations to normal anatomy
- affects function and aesthetics
4
Q
What is the role of the pathologist in oral cancer?
A
- establish diagnosis, stage and grade
- outline anatomical extent of tumour
- prognostic factors
5
Q
How are specimens transported to pathology?
A
Must be fixed in formaldehyde for 24 hours to prevent necrosis of tissue
6
Q
What is the purpose of painting the surgical margins?
A
- allows pathologist to identify extent of excision on the slide
- can identify if appropriate margin of excision has been achieved
7
Q
How does differentiation affect prognosis?
A
Histologically well differentiated tumours are more likely to respond to treatment and have a better prognosis
8
Q
What does ECS stand for in neck dissection?
A
Extra-capsular spread from lymph node
