ENT Cancers
ENT cancers are malignant tumours that develop mainly from the mucosa and sometimes from a pre-existing pre-cancerous lesion (dysplasia). Rare cases develop deep within glandular tissue, for example. They represent 12% of male cancers and 2.3% of causes of death, and 2% of female cancers and 0.7% of causes of death, i.e. around 15,000 new cases per year in France. They mainly occur between the ages of 50 and 65. Because of the many possible locations (mouth, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, nasopharynx, oesophagus), the risk factors, treatments and prognoses vary widely.
Find out more about ENT cancers from Dr Delagranda, an ENT surgeon in La Roche-sur-Yon in the Vendée.
Risk factors
The main risk factors are regular smoking, alcohol consumption and the presence of HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) in the oropharynx and oral cavity. Alcohol and tobacco are implicated in 90% of these cancers in France, and their combination multiplies the risk by 100. There are also sinus cancers linked to occupational exposure to fine wood and leather dusts and the tannins they contain, or to EBV (Epstein Barr virus). They are considered an occupational disease for workers in the wood (cooper, cabinetmaker, etc.), leather (shoemakers, cobblers, tanners, leatherworkers, tailors, etc.), nickel and food industries.
Diagnosis of ENT cancers
The diagnostic and extension work-up depends mainly on the initial location of the cancer, and may include a number of examinations such as scans, MRI, PET scans, ultrasound, fibroscopy and endoscopy.
In a significant number of cases, there may be two cancers at the same time, in the ear, nose and throat or in another organ, because risk factors such as smoking can affect several sites in the body (oesophagus, lung, bladder, etc.). The assessment must therefore be exhaustive and targeted.
The choice of cancer treatment depends on many factors, and is motivated by a global and personalised approach. These factors are:
- Age
- Nutritional status
- Surgical medical history (kidney failure, liver failure, heart failure, diabetes, etc.)
- Socio-family background (whether or not it helps)
- Histological nature of the tumour (some are radiosensitive, chemosensitive, others not)
- Location of the tumour
- Distant extension of the tumour (lymph node metastases or distant organ metastases)
- Presence of concomitant tumours
Treatment of ENT cancers
Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and supportive care for pain, fatigue, eating disorders and psychological problems. The choice of one or a combination of these treatments depends on the characteristics of the cancer affecting you and your state of health. Cancer treatment is the responsibility of a number of specialists (oncologist, radiotherapist, ear, nose and throat surgeon, histologist, radiologist), and it is essential that your treatment proposal is discussed in advance at a RCP (multidisciplinary consultation meeting). By law, no one doctor can decide on your cancer treatment alone.
If you would like more information, the French ENT Society provides information sheets on cancer surgery:
➔ Glossectomie, pelvi-glossectomie et pelvi-glosso-mandibulectomie
➔ Bucco pharyngectomie trans-mandibulaire
➔ Laryngectomie partielle
➔ Cordectomie laser
➔ Pharyngo-laryngectomie totale
➔ Curage ganglionnaire
➔ Chirurgie tumeurs voile et palais
➔ Maxillectomie
➔ Chirurgie des tumeurs du nez ou des sinus
➔ Informations médicales avant réalisation d’une tracheotomie
Do you have a question? Need more information?
Dr Antoine Delagranda is available to answer any questions you may have about ENT cancers. Dr Delagranda is a specialist in ENT surgery at the Clinique Saint Charles in La Roche-sur-Yon in the Vendée.
ENT cancer consultations in Vendée
Dr Antoine Delagranda is available to answer any questions you may have about ENT cancers. Dr Delagranda is a specialist in ENT surgery at the Clinique Saint Charles in La Roche-sur-Yon in the Vendée.