Diabetes mellitus and head and neck cancer

Abstract

Head and neck cancer (HNC) includes tumors of the mouth, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx. The use of tobacco and alcohol are the main risk factors associated with HNC, however other risk factors have also been considered such as diet, occupational agents, oral hygiene and HPV infection. Several studies have found that patients with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) have excess of risk and worse prognosis of some cancers such as liver, pancreas, colorectal, breast and others. Recently, it has been suggested the association of DM and HNC. However, few studies have been conducted on this topic. Major studies have only considered the presence of DM mentioned by the respondent. There is evidence that the DM self-reported prevalence reflects approximately 46% less than the actual detected by laboratory tests. In the present study, in addition to self-reported disease, DM will be measured by examining glycated hemoglobin (A1C). Also, information will be obtained from the medical records of patients to increase the reliability of the occurrence of DM. Objective. Evaluate the association of diabetes mellitus and head and neck cancer. Material and methods. This case-control study is being conducted at five clinical centers in the State of São Paulo. By the end of 2014, a sample of 1400 cases and 1000 controls from the participating hospitals is estimated to be obtained. The cases are individuals diagnosed with HNC, confirmed by histopathology. Controls can be hospital or visitors of patients, matched to the cases by frequency of sex, age and area of residence. (AU)