Epidemiology in S. Korea shows higher risk in men and metastasis is common

Epidemiology in S. Korea shows higher risk in men and metastasis is common
(Head and Neck Cancer-April 29, 2003)

Cervical lymph node metastasis is common in laryngeal and other head and neck cancers in Korea, and the cancers are sexually disproportionate, favoring male disease.

According to published research from South Korea, "Head and neck cancers have never been systematically studied for clinical purposes yet in Korea. This epidemiological survey on head and neck cancer patients was undertaken from January to December 2001 in 79 otorhinolaryngology resident-training hospitals nationwide. The number of head and neck cancer patients was 1,063 cases in the year.

The largest proportion of cases arose in the larynx; as many as 488 cases, which accounted for 45.9%. It was followed by, in order of frequency, oral cavity (16.5%), oropharynx (10.0%), and hypopharynx (9.5%). The male:female ratio was 5:1, and the mean age was 60.3 yr. Surgery was the predominant treatment modality in head and neck cancers: 204 (21.5%) cases were treated with only surgery, 198 (20.8%) cases were treated with surgery and radiotherapy, 207 cases (21.8%) were treated with combined therapy of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

"Larynx and hypopharynx cancers had a stronger relationship with smoking and alcohol drinking than other primary site cancers. Of them, 21 cases were found to be metastasized at the time of diagnosis into the lung, gastrointestinal tract, bone, or brain. Coexisting second primary malignancies were found in 23 cases," wrote K.M. Kim and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "At the time of diagnosis, a total of 354 cases had cervical lymph node metastasis accounting for 42.0%."

Kim and colleagues published their findings in Journal of Korean Medical Science (Epidemiologic survey of head and neck cancers in Korea. J Korean Med Sci, 2003;18(1):80-87).

Additional information can be obtained by contacting K.M. Kim, Yonsei University, College Med, Dept Otorhinolaryngology, Seodaemun Gu, 134 Sinchon Dong, Seoul 120752, South Korea.

The information in this article comes under the major subject areas of Oncology and Otorhinolaryngology. This article was prepared by Cancer Weekly editors from staff and other reports.