Head and Neck Cancer Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for maintaining airway and gas exchange post-neck dissection?

To minimize pain

To manage potential airway obstruction (correct)

To prevent hypotension

To reduce the risk of aspiration

During the postoperative monitoring of a patient in the ICU after neck dissection, which of the following signs would most likely indicate a serious complication?

Blood tinged secretions

Bright red blood spurting from the site (correct)

Increased pain level

Mild swelling at the incision

What is the appropriate way to manage a carotid artery rupture post-neck dissection?

Hold continuous direct pressure to the site and secure airway (correct)

Notify the surgeon and wait for instructions

Position the patient upright and relax

Apply pressure and monitor

Which technique should be taught to patients who have undergone a partial laryngectomy to help with swallowing?

Supraglottic method of swallowing Signup and view all the answers

What should be the appearance of the stoma after neck dissection surgery as part of post-operative evaluations?

Bright pink and shiny without crusts Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored in the donor site after a graft or flap procedure following neck dissection?

Color and drainage Signup and view all the answers

What communication method is recommended for patients who have undergone total laryngectomy?

Use of a communication board Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is crucial for preventing aspiration in patients after neck dissection?

Promoting deep breathing and coughing exercises Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary risk factor associated with head and neck cancers?

Chronic laryngitis Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic test is most closely associated with determining the presence of metastasis in cancer patients?

PET scan Signup and view all the answers

Which substance is phenylephrine found in?

Decongestants Signup and view all the answers

What is the first visual sign associated with head and neck cancers?

Leukoplakia Signup and view all the answers

What is a common side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers?

Dry mouth Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment option is specifically tailored to target epidermal growth factor receptors in head and neck cancers?

Biotherapy Signup and view all the answers

What action should be avoided during a nosebleed to prevent further bleeding?

Blowing the nose Signup and view all the answers

What procedure may be indicated as a last resort for dealing with large tumors in the larynx?

Laryngectomy Signup and view all the answers

Which intervention is recommended for managing hoarseness after radiation therapy?

Vocal rest Signup and view all the answers

What finding in a CBC may indicate chronic bleeding leading to anemia?

Thrombocytopenia Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is correlated with voice changes due to a tumor in the head and neck region?

New onset of hoarseness Signup and view all the answers

In which type of biopsy is there a higher risk of spreading cancer due to the method of sampling?

Open incision biopsy Signup and view all the answers

What dietary intervention might be considered for a patient undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer?

High protein diet Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable sign that indicates the need for urgent medical attention during an epistaxis?

Continued bleeding over 20 minutes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neck Dissection: Postoperative Management

Maintaining airway and gas exchange is essential post-neck dissection to prevent complications due to potential damage to the airway, nerves, and blood vessels during surgery.
Stridor: This is a harsh, high-pitched sound during breathing, indicating airway obstruction and a possible life-threatening complication.
Carotid artery rupture requires immediate surgical intervention and control of bleeding. Techniques like direct pressure, clamping, and vascular repair are employed.
Swallowing exercises: Teaching the supraglottic swallow technique can enhance swallowing function and reduce aspiration risk after partial laryngectomy.
Stoma appearance: After neck dissection surgery, the stoma should be pink and moist with minimal drainage. This suggests proper healing and adequate blood supply.
Donor site monitoring: Monitor the color, temperature, and capillary refill of the donor site after a graft or flap procedure to detect potential complications like ischemia or infection.
Total laryngectomy communication: Esophageal speech is a preferred communication method for patients who have undergone total laryngectomy, as they can't speak through their larynx anymore.
Preventing aspiration: Elevate the head of the bed during sleep can help prevent aspiration in patients after neck dissection due to potential swallowing difficulties.

Head and Neck Cancers

Tobacco use is a major risk factor for head and neck cancers.
Metastasis determination: Biopsy and imaging tests are crucial for assessing the spread of cancer.
Phenylephrine: This decongestant is found in nasal sprays and eye drops.
Early visual sign: A lump or sore that doesn't heal is a common initial sign of head and neck cancer.
Radiation therapy side effect: Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a frequent side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancers.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) targeting: Cetuximab is an example of a drug that specifically targets EGFR in head and neck cancers.
Action to avoid during nosebleed: Blowing the nose can worsen bleeding by dislodging clots and increasing pressure in nasal vessels.
Last resort for large laryngeal tumors: Laryngectomy may be required to remove large tumors in the larynx, aiming to preserve life.
Managing hoarseness after radiation: Voice therapy can help improve voice quality and function affected by radiation therapy.

Head and Neck Cancer: Diagnosis and Management

Low red blood cell count (RBC) in a CBC may indicate chronic bleeding leading to anemia, a potential sign of head and neck cancer progression.
Voice changes: Hoarseness and changes in voice quality can be a major symptom of a tumor in the head and neck region.
Biopsy type with higher spread risk: Fine needle aspiration biopsy may increase the risk of cancer spread due to the small sample size and potential for tumor cell dispersion.
Dietary intervention: A soft and easily digestible diet might be necessary for patients undergoing head and neck cancer treatment to manage swallowing difficulties and side effects.
Urgent epistaxis sign: Bright red, pulsating blood from the nose indicates severe bleeding and necessitates immediate medical attention.

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Description

This quiz covers the critical aspects of head and neck cancers, including their pathophysiology, risk factors, and initial symptoms. It also addresses common issues like epistaxis and the effectiveness of decongestants such as phenylephrine. Test your knowledge on these important health topics!