Squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract.A case comparison analysis

Abstract

Although the etiologic importance of tobacco in risk of upper aerodigestive malignancies is unques-tioned, quantification of subsite-specific risks is less well delineated. Risk estimates from this case-control study are derived from self-administered comprehensive risk factor questionnaires distributed to newly registered patients at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute, Houston. Cases included 185 white patients with histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aeradigestive tract. An equal number of age-frequency and sex-frequency matched patients was randomly selected from the same patient population excluding only patients with diagnoses of squamous cell carcinoma of any site. A statistically significant dose-response relationship for three categories of cigarette pack-years was evident for both males (odds ratios [ORJ = 1.8,4.0, and 7.5) and females (OR = 1.5,9.0, and 12.0). Highest risks were documented for laryngeal cancer (OR = 15.1) and lingual cancer (OR = 14.5). There was interaction between alcohol use and smoking among men, but no independent effect of alcohol consumption among either gender. After 15 years of smoking abstinence, males no longer exhibited increased risk (OR = 1.0) whereas the risk for females after 15 years of cessation was 1.5. There were also significantly increased risks among men associated with snuff dipping, cigar, and pipe use (OR = 3.4,2.8, and 1.8, respectively). The differences in the magnitude of the risk estimates and dose-response curves by subsite and by sex suggest a variable susceptibility to carcinogenic action. Cancer 61:203-208,1988. ESPITE THEIR anatomic contiguity, head and neck D cancers are a disparate and morphologically diverse group. Although risk factors for these cancers as a group have been fairly extensively studied, quantifica-tion of risk for specific sites is lacking, particularly with respect to tobacco exposures. Since not all sites within the head and neck area are equally susceptible to carcinogens , it is reasonable to assume that site-specific risks may differ. This study reports on quantification of risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma of selected sites within the head and neck in a hospital-based case-control analysis, with particular reference to tobacco and alcohol exposures.

Animal models for the study of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract: A historical perspective with review of their utility and limitations. Part A. Chemically‐induced de novo cancer, syngeneic animal models of HNSCC, animal models of transplanted xenogeneic human tumors

“…Since the etiology of a majority of HNSCC is associated with environmental exposure to chemical agents, e.g. tobacco and alcohol, 89,90 animal models of chemical carcinogenesis, compared with transplantation models, may more accurately reflect the clinical course of human disease. 5 Indeed, several studies have shown that both alcohol and tobacco act as cocarcinogens in a commonly employed model of chemical carcinogenesis.…”

Prevalence of head and neck cancers in Ahmedabad, Gujarat

“…Over 90% of all head and neck cancers are observed to be squamous cell carcinomas [1,13]. The incidence of head and neck cancer increases with age; most patients being older than age 50 [3].…”

“…Other major HNCs include skin and salivary gland tumors including parotid tumors, skin malignancies, basal cell carcinoma, etc. The incidence of HNC increases with age; most patients being older than age 50 [3].…”

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“…A study by Spitz et al (1988) in Texas, United States, also showed a linear increase in risk with increasing packyears of cigarette smoking (P trend < 0.01 for both males and females). In males, the OR rose from 1.8 (95% CI 0.7, 4.4) for those who smoked 1.24 pack-years to 7.5 (95% CI 3.7, 15.3) for those who smoked >49 pack-years when compared with non-smokers.…”