[Carcinoma of the mouth and pharynx--better prognosis by an early diagnosis!]. / Mundhöhlen- und Rachenkarzinome durch frühzeitige Diagnose zu besserer Prognose.

ABSTRACT

Carcinomas of the mouth and pharynx rank sixth of all malignant tumours worldwide. They are responsible for 10% of the newly diagnosed malignant tumours. The median five year survival rate is 50%, depending on tumour localisation and size, but mainly determined by lymph node metastases. Carcinomas of the mouth and pharynx cause symptoms that resemble those of common harmless diseases of the head and neck such as pharyngitis. This can lead to misinterpretation by both, the patient and the doctor. Since the initial delay by the patient is difficult to influence it is very important that the doctor is aware of a possible malignant disease. Persistent common symptoms such as swallowing impairment or hoarseness, mucosal lesions, such as leukoplakia, a persistent cervical lymph node and unresponsiveness to initial treatment, must prompt the doctor to initialise appropriate diagnostic steps (incisional biopsy, e.g.). Only early diagnosis can help to improve the prognosis of patients with carcinomas of the mouth and pharynx.