Metastatic Squamous Neck Cancer

OVERVIEW

Also called metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, metastatic squamous neck cancer is a type of cancer that is found in the squamous cells in the lymph nodes of the neck. Despite its name, there may be no evidence of cancer anywhere else. If a primary source of cancer is not found, the doctor will treat the type of cancer found in the neck.

The Cancer Center's Division of Head and Neck Oncology comprises board-certified otolaryngologists who are highly skilled in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of all types of cancers that affect the head and neck. Our co-chief of the Division of Head and Neck Oncology, Christopher M. Shaari, M.D., is one of only a handful of otolaryngologists (head and neck surgeons) in the tri-state area to have completed a fellowship in head and neck microvascular reconstructive surgery. This is used to restore function in patients who have undergone extensive surgical treatments for head and neck cancers. An important goal of surgical treatment for head and neck cancers is to restore as much of the patient's functioning (speech, swallowing, etc.) as possible after surgery. To achieve this, microvascular reconstructive techniques - such as those practiced by Dr. Shaari - may be used. During surgery, Dr. Shaari or another otolaryngologist and a plastic/reconstructive surgeon work together to transplant tissue from a patient's arms or legs to where a cancerous tumor has been removed. The blood vessels of this tissue are connected in the neck to restore functioning to the tissues in the treatment area.

RISK FACTORS

Head and neck cancers account for about three percent of all cancers in the United States. They are more common in men than women and more common in persons over age 50. The greatest risk factor for head and neck cancers is smoking.

TREATMENT SERVICES

If a primary site is found, the patient's treatment plan will most likely encompass treatment for the primary site and the metastatic squamous neck cancer. Treating metastatic squamous neck carcinoma usually involves a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy or surgery and radiation therapy.