Eric M. Horwitz, MD

In 2008, it was estimated that head and neck cancers comprised ­2% to 3% of all cancers in the United States and accounted for 1% to 2% of all cancer deaths. This total includes 22,900 cases of oral cavity cancer, 12,250 cases of laryngeal cancer, and 12,410 cases of pharyngeal cancer. Most patients with head and neck cancer have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis (regional nodal involvement in 43% and distant metastasis in 10%).

Head and neck cancers encompass a diverse group of uncommon tumors that frequently are aggressive in their biologic behavior.

In 2005, it is estimated that head and neck cancers will comprise 2%-3% of allcancers in the United States and account for 1%-2% of all cancer deaths. Thistotal includes 20,780 cases of oral cavity cancer, 9,880 cases of laryngeal cancer,and 8,590 cases of pharyngeal cancer. Most patients with head and neckcancer have metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis (regional nodal involvementin 43% and distant metastasis in 10%).

A study was undertaken to evaluate the question of cure in "young" men with prostate cancer treated by external-beam radiation. Results in young men (£ 65 years) were compared to older men. Biochemical freedom from failure was examined to 10 years’ follow-up, and hazard functions for failure vs time were reported. Results show that prostate cancer patients are cured by external-beam radiation and that there is no difference in results for young or older men. Few failures occur after 5 years’ follow-up and the percentage cured is similar to that with prostatectomy, with much less morbidity. Appropriate dose is necessary to optimize outcome. [ONCOLOGY 15(5):563-574, 2001]