Head and neck cancer screening among 4611 tobacco users older than forty years

We implemented screening for squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx with symptom assessment and systematic inspection of the oral mucosa by primary care practitioners at health care sites serving inner-city residents of Boston; 4611 tobacco users older than 40 years were screened, and 313 with specific criteria were referred to otolaryngology for diagnostic evaluations. In these screened patients, the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was almost 13% and prevalence of persistent hoarseness was more than 11%. Although the identification of these cancers was rare (nearly 3%), abnormal findings were seen in more than 70% of referred patients. These clinical and histologic diagnoses are described. We have documented the range of pathologic conditions in high-risk patients screened for upper aerodigestive tract malignancy.