Emergency presentations of head and neck cancer: a modern perspective

• Published in: Journal of laryngology and otology Vol. 130; no. 6; pp. 571 - 574
• Main Authors: Bannister, M, Vallamkondu, V, Ah-See, K W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.06.2016
• Subjects: Airway management; Carcinoma, Small Cell - complications; Carcinoma, Small Cell - diagnosis; Carcinoma, Small Cell - epidemiology; Carcinoma, Small Cell - pathology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - complications; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - diagnosis; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - epidemiology; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell - pathology; Databases, Factual; Deglutition Disorders - epidemiology; Deglutition Disorders - etiology; Dysphagia; Emergencies - epidemiology; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Females; Head & neck cancer; Head and Neck Neoplasms - complications; Head and Neck Neoplasms - diagnosis; Head and Neck Neoplasms - epidemiology; Head and Neck Neoplasms - pathology; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms - complications; Laryngeal Neoplasms - diagnosis; Laryngeal Neoplasms - epidemiology; Larynx; Main Articles; Male; Medical prognosis; Melanoma - complications; Melanoma - diagnosis; Melanoma - epidemiology; Melanoma - pathology; Metastasis; Mortality; Mouth Neoplasms - complications; Mouth Neoplasms - diagnosis; Mouth Neoplasms - epidemiology; Neoplasm Staging; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms - complications; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms - diagnosis; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms - epidemiology; Otolaryngology; Patients; Pharyngitis - epidemiology; Pharyngitis - etiology; Primary care; Prognosis; Radiation therapy; Referral and Consultation; Respiratory Sounds - etiology; Retrospective Studies; Rhabdomyosarcoma - complications; Rhabdomyosarcoma - diagnosis; Rhabdomyosarcoma - epidemiology; Rhabdomyosarcoma - pathology; Sex Distribution; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Survival Rate; Tumors; United Kingdom - epidemiology; United Kingdom; Otolaryngology; Head And Neck Neoplasms; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms
• ISSN: 0022-2151; 1748-5460
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215116001043

Head and neck cancer emergency presentations are uncommon but persistent. However, there is little published literature on this aspect of cancer and patient demographics. This study aimed to assess the incidence, patient profile, tumour site and stage of emergency cancer presentations in our region. Retrospective review of regional cancer database over a five-year period. Emergency presentations accounted for 7 per cent of all cases. There was no difference in patient age and risk factors between the emergency and non-emergency presentations. The emergency presentation group showed a greater proportion of female patients compared to the non-emergency presentation group (30 vs 15 per cent). In all emergency presentations, the cancer was at advanced stages. Oropharyngeal cancer was the commonest emergency presentation of cancer, but the third commonest in the non-emergency group. Emergency presentations are increasing annually. Female patients and oropharyngeal cancer showed greater representation compared to male patients and laryngeal cancer.