The association of lifetime physical inactivity with head and neck cancer: a hospital-based case-control analysis.

Despite mounting epidemiological evidence suggesting an inverse association between recreational physical activity and cancer risk, evidence associated with head and neck cancer is scant. We conducted a case-control analysis to examine the associations of lifetime physical inactivity with the risk of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We utilized data from the Patient Epidemiology Data System at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI). Participants included 246 patients with HNSCC and 504 cancer-free controls who received medical services at RPCI between 1990 and 1998. Participants were considered physically inactive if they did not participate in any regular, weekly recreational physical activity throughout their lifetime, prior to diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression models were utilized to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) representing the association between lifetime physical inactivity and HNSCC risk. We observed a significant positive association between recreational physical inactivity and HNSCC risk (OR = 2.73, 95% CI 1.87-3.99, p < 0.001). In subgroup analyses by body mass index (BMI) (underweight/normal-weight: OR = 3.40, 95% CI 1.89-6.12, p < 0.001; overweight/obese: OR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.43-4.02, p < 0.001) and smoking status (former smoker: OR = 3.12, 95% CI 1.89-5.14, p < 0.001; never smoker: OR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.21-6.05, p = 0.020; current smoker: OR = 1.61, 95% CI 0.66-3.95, p = 0.300), significant positive associations were also observed. Results of the current analyses suggest that lifetime physical inactivity associates with HNSCC independent of BMI. In addition, physical inactivity may be a modifiable risk factor among never smokers. These data add to the growing body of evidence suggesting that physical inactivity may be an independent risk factor for cancer.

First Branchial Cleft Cyst Confined to the Pinna.

First branchial cleft cysts (FBCCs) arise due to an incomplete fusion of the cleft between the first and second branchial arches. Classically, they are found inferior to the pinna or along the external auditory canal. This report presents a unique case of a nine-month-old male with a first branchial cleft cyst completely within the pinna. The patient presented with a left auricular pit and pinna mass. Ultrasound revealed a homogeneous hypoechoic mass isolated to the pinna. Surgical resection revealed the cyst to be anterior to the inferior pinna cartilage, with the tract projecting anteriorly and inferiorly. Final pathology revealed a benign cyst lined by squamous epithelium and a rim of cartilage, confirming an FBCC. To our knowledge, FBCCs isolated to the pinna have not been previously reported. Awareness of the various presentations of this rare anomaly is essential for a prompt and accurate diagnosis.

Physical inactivity and head and neck cancer mortality.

BACKGROUND: This study was performed to examine the association between adulthood recreational physical inactivity (PIA) and mortality among patients with cancers of the head and neck. METHODS: Patients with head and neck cancer at Roswell Park between years 1990 to 1998 were included (N = 305). Multivariable Cox proportional hazard ratios (HR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to analyze the association between PIA and risk of dying. RESULTS: There was a 1.40-fold increase in risk of dying among PIA patients, when compared to active patients with head and neck cancers (HR = 1.40, CI: 1.03-1.91). This was observed greater in PIA women (HR = 2.40, CI: 1.28-4.52), patients who were overweight/obese (HR = 1.76, CI: 1.09-2.85), patients with pharynx as the primary site (HR = 1.85, CI: 1.01-3.38), and patients with distant metastasis (HR = 5.19, CI: 1.37-19.65). CONCLUSION: Physically inactive patients with head and neck cancers are at significantly greater risk of dying when compared to patients who are active.