Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma And The Genetic Link
The 6th most common cancer in men is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This cancer infects the salivary glands, pharynx, and oral cavity and larynx. There are many causative factors contributing to this cancer, but the primary ones are; tobacco chewing, and drinking alcoholic beverages. Non-drinking smokers are at risk of developing HNSCC of the mouth and pharynx. This happens most often in the mouth and is related to smoking and alcohol consumption. The genetic factor is found in DNA that is damaged as well as genes affected by carcinogens. HNSCC is most prevalent in people of Caucasian and European ancestry.
The discovery of this cancer in Caucasian populations has been a valuable discovery. It has been found that the head and neck squamous cell cancers prognosis is generally based on the size of the tumor and the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes. The diagnosis was generally 80 percent correct when the tumor size and lymph nodes were considered together as part of the equation. Identification of genetic markers in this cancer has been a tremendous step forward in squamous cell carcinoma neck.
Throughout the world over 500,000 recorded cases of head and neck squamous cell cancers were documented in 2001. In the primary stages this cancer has been treated quite effectively by combining radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy. Even though there have been substantial gains in the treatment, the survival rates in individuals with advanced stage cancer has not appreciably improved in the last 30 years. Carcinoma squamous cell metabolism is extremely fast and aggressive.
Currently studies are concerned with HNSCC, its molecular biology and examination of the environmental factors with regard to this cancer. The key is to discover whether smoking combined with drinking alcohol are major players in this cancer and if genetic predisposition is involved as well. Detecting high risk populations may be an aid in identifying this carcinoma in the early stages when there is the highest level of survival. Head and neck squamous cell cancers continue to result in a low rate of survival worldwide. Continued studies into carcinoma squamous cell genetics as well as in other causative roles, will need to be studied in order to develop better treatments to promote higher survival rates.
Unfortunately head and neck cancers remain one of the most prevalent cancers throughout the world. It is number 8 on the list of the most common cancers worldwide. In 2000 there were over 30,000 deaths among 390,000 identified cases. Current treatments in the battle against this cancer continue to be ineffectual once the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Current research into genetics factor may be the key that finally opens a door to better treatment options.
