1 symptom, 3 weeks, I consult at every neck!
On the occasion of the national "Rouge-Gorge" campaign, related to the prevention of mouth and throat cancers (H&N), the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital aims to raise public awareness about this public health issue: 15,000 new cases each year in France, with 70% unfortunately diagnosed at a very advanced stage.
The diagnostic pathway is essential: 80 to 90% of ENT cancers can be cured if detected in time. Unfortunately, 70% of cases are diagnosed at a very advanced stage, leaving less than a 1 in 2 chance of recovery within 5 years. The major challenge is therefore to detect the signs quickly before it's too late. The French Society of Cervico-Facial Carcinology (SFCCF) and the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology and Surgery of the Face and Neck (SFORL) are launching the second edition of a prevention campaign focused on signs to watch for: "1 symptom, 3 weeks, I consult at every neck!"
The number of new cases is just over 15,000 each year in France, most often occurring between the ages of 50 and 64. Of these, 11,000 concern men (the 4th leading cause of cancer) and 4,000 concern women (the 10th leading cause of cancer). Alcohol and tobacco consumption are the main risk factors for this disease, and their effects are amplified when combined. Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are increasingly recognized as a factor and affect younger individuals, particularly in the oropharynx (tonsils and base of the tongue).
When should you be concerned and consult?
Upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancers develop in the lips, mouth, pharynx, larynx, as well as the nasal cavities, sinuses, and salivary glands.
Certain symptoms (pain in the mouth or throat, difficulty speaking, painful swallowing that radiates to the ear, hoarseness, a lump in the neck, blocked nose, nosebleeds, etc.) should raise concern if they last longer than 3 weeks.
It is advisable to consult your general practitioner to consider a possible referral for specialized care (ENT or maxillofacial). This will involve a more thorough examination of the upper aerodigestive tract, ideally within 15 days.
Care at the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital
UADT cancers are managed in two departments at the CHU: the ENT department at the Gabriel-Montpied Hospital and the maxillofacial and plastic surgery department at the Estaing Hospital. The two departments are complementary and work in synergy to provide personalized care for the patient, from diagnosis (biopsy, CT scan, endoscopy, dental panoramic X-ray, etc.) to treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, etc.), including supportive care, which is essential for patient support.
In 2024, the CHU cared for nearly 650 patients, with almost 50% coming from the Puy-de-Dôme region.
