15.6.1 Cancer of the Larynx
It is the commonest ENT malignancy. Risk factors include cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, gastroesophageal reflux disease and human papilloma virus.
Diagnostic Criteria
- Progressive hoarseness of voice
- Difficulty in breathing (inspiratory stridor)
- Hemoptysis
Referral:
Refer the patient to the next facility with adequate expertise and facilities
NOTE: Any patient with progressive hoarseness of voice for more than two weeks should undergo laryngoscopy
15.6.2 Sino-Nasal Malignancy
Is a malignancy of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Risk factors include wood dust (both soft and hard), wielding dust, lather industry fumes, hydrocarbons fumes, and aflatoxin dust.
Diagnostic Criteria
- Nasal bleeding
- Nasal discharge
- Nasal obstruction
- Teeth loosening
- Cheek swelling
- Proptosis
- Hearing loss
Referral: Refer the patient to the next facility with adequate expertise and facilities
15.6.3 Naso-Pharyngeal Malignancy
It is a malignancy which arises from the nasopharynx. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, Epstein Bar virus, smoked and/or salted foods.
Diagnostic Criteria
- Cervical lymphadenopthy, usually bilateral
- Nose bleeding
- Hearing loss, tinnitus or ear pain
Referral: Refer the patient to the next facility with adequate expertise and facilities
NOTE: A patient presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy has nasopharyngeal carcinoma until proven otherwise
15.6.4 Hypo-Pharyngeal Malignancy
It is a malignancy which arises from the hypopharynx.Risk factors include cigarette smoking, alcohol intake and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Diagnostic Criteria
- Progressive dysphasia
- Progressive odynophagia
- Hematemesis/hemoptysis
- Ear pain (referred otalgia)
- Cervical lymphadenopathy
- Difficulty in breathing (inspiratory stridor)
Referral: Refer the patient to the next facility with adequate expertise and facilities
