JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients (HNSCC), post treatment surveillance for distant disease is mostly focusing on the lungs, as HNSCC distant metastasis occurs in this organ in 90% of the cases and a high rate of primary of the lungs can be expected due to field cancerization of the entire upper aero digestive tract.

Objective:

The survey aimed to evaluate the current beliefs and pulmonary screening practices among otolaryngology-head & neck surgeons across Saudi Arabia in the post treatment surveillance of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods:

This is a nation-wide cross sectional survey was conducted among Head and Neck surgeon members of the Saudi Society of Otolaryngology. Data Collected During The Period From 1– 30 July , 2020. Predesigned questionnaire including all the relevant questions to fulfill the study objectives. Questions inquired about characteristics of routine lung screening during the post treatment follow-up of head and neck cancer. The questionnaire distributed on all head and neck surgeon of the Saudi Society of Otolaryngology, of Saudi Arabia.

Results:

As regards the methods of routine lung screening during the post treatment follow-up of head and neck cancer, our study found that the majority 40% 9 out of 22 participants used lung radiography followed by 31% 7 out of 22 participants used low dose CT and 27 % 6 out of 22 participants used PET/CT. Regarding to duration of lung screening in head and neck cancer during follow up in physician's practice, the majority 77 % 17 out of 22 participants reported 5 years, 13% 3 out of 22 participants 10 years and only 9 % 2 out of 22 participants performed lung screening lifelong. As regards frequency of lung screening; 77 % 17 out of 22 participants reported annually screening,18% 4 out of 22 participants half-yearly and 4% 1 out of 22 participants biennially. According to believed effectiveness of the screening procedures listed in question 1 in reducing lung cancer mortality during the follow-up of head and neck cancer; 6% 8 out of 22 participants believed to be very effective or somewhat effective, 18% 4 out of 22 participants don’t know and only 9% 2 out of 22believed that it was not effective.

Conclusions:

The majority used lung radiography, low dose CT and PET/CT as a routine lung screening during the post treatment follow-up of head and neck cancer for mainly 5 years, 10 years and only small percent performed lung screening lifelong. lung screening was mostly annually or half-yearly. The screening believed to be very effective or somewhat effective.