Abstract
Frequently, double cancer and distant metastases have been detected by means of therapeutic techniques for head and neck cancers. Between January 1997 and February 1999, we experienced 59 cases of head and neck Squamous cell carcinoma in the department of otolaryngology at the Yamada Red Cross Hospital. Eight patients of 59 (13.6%) had pulmonary metastases and/or primary lung cancers, detected by chest CT scans. However, such lesions in 4 patients of 59 (6.8%) were detected by normal Chest X-rays. Positive correlations were observed between T stage and positive CT scans.
CT scanning of the chest is more effective than chest X-ray, and is now used routinely in our department prior to undertaking major head and neck surgery.
