Understanding Head & Neck Skin Cancers – ENT Guide by Dr Leavers (Sydney, AU)

1. UNDERSTANDING HEAD & NECK SKIN CANCERS

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS What is Skin Cancer in the Head and Neck? What is Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma? What is Skin Cancer in the Head and Neck? What is Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma? 01. 06. 02. 07. What are the Symptoms? How ENT Specialists Diagnose What are the Symptoms? 02. 07. How ENT Specialists Diagnose What Causes Skin Cancer in the Head and Neck? What Causes Skin Cancer in the Head and Neck? Treatment Options 03. 08. Treatment Options What Does Skin Cancer on the Neck Look Like? What Does Skin Cancer on the Neck Look Like? Prevention and Protection Strategies Prevention and Protection Strategies 04. 09. Early Detection Saves Lives Head and Neck Cancer Staging Early Detection Saves Lives 05. Head and Neck Cancer Staging 10.

3. Head & Neck Skin Cancer 01 What is Skin Cancer in the Head and Neck Region? Head and neck skin cancers refer to abnormal skin cell growth in areas frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, scalp, ears, and neck. Common Types Melanoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) The most serious form of skin cancer. Melanomas may look like irregular moles or dark spots that change in appearance over time. More aggressive than BCC, SCC can spread if untreated. It often presents as a rough, scaly lesion or a non-healing sore. The most common type. BCCs may appear as shiny lumps, scaly patches, or sores that don’t heal. www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au All content © 2025 Dr. Brett Leavers. All Rights Reserved.

4. What are the Symptoms? 02 Early signs of head and neck skin cancers can include: A lump or bump that doesn’t heal Persistent sores or ulcers Changes in the appearance of moles (Following the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter over 6mm, and Evolving size/shape) Rough, scaly patches on the face, scalp, or neck Unexplained pain or tenderness in the neck In some cases, advanced skin cancers that have spread to deeper tissues or lymph nodes can cause discomfort, pain or numbness in the face or neck. While this is not always a primary symptom, persistent or unexplained pain warrants medical evaluation. www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au All content © 2025 Dr. Brett Leavers. All Rights Reserved. www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au

5. What Causes Skin Cancer? 03 The primary cause of head and neck skin cancers is prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun. Fair Skin and Freckles Individuals with lighter skin are more vulnerable to UV damage. Frequent Sunburns Early and repeated sunburns increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Family History A genetic predisposition may raise your likelihood of developing skin cancers like melanoma. Weakened Immune System Individuals with compromised immune systems may be at greater risk. www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au All content © 2025 Dr. Brett Leavers. All Rights Reserved. www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au

6. What Does a Skin Cancer Look Like? 04 Skin cancer on the neck can present as: A raised, pearly bump (common with BCC) A scaly, red patch or sore that doesn’t heal (often linked to SCC) A dark spot or mole that changes in color, shape, or size (potential melanoma) ccto: source ccto: source www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au All content © 2025 Dr. Brett Leavers. All Rights Reserved. www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au

7. Head and Neck Cancer Staging 05 Staging describes how far the cancer has spread and helps guide treatment decisions. Cancer Stages: Stage 0 Stage I - II Stage III - IV Cancer may have spread Cancer cells are Cancer is small and to nearby tissues, lymph confined to the outer localized. nodes, or beyond. skin layer. www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au All content © 2025 Dr. Brett Leavers. All Rights Reserved. www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au

8. What is HNSCC? 06 Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) A type of SCC that develops in the mucous membranes of the mouth, throat, or nose. While distinct from skin cancers, HNSCC may present with overlapping symptoms like persistent sores, difficulty swallowing, or changes in voice. ccto: source ccto: source www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au All content © 2025 Dr. Brett Leavers. All Rights Reserved. www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au

9. How ENT Specialist Diagnose 07 If you notice unusual skin changes or symptoms, an ENT specialist may recommend the following: Physical Examination Surgical Biopsy CT, MRI or PET Scans Checking for lumps, (Fine Needle Aspiration or These may be required if swelling, or visible skin Surgical Biopsy) cancer is suspected to have changes. spread to deeper or A small tissue sample is surrounding structures (such collected for analysis. as lymph nodes) or other parts of the body. www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au All content © 2025 Dr. Brett Leavers. All Rights Reserved. www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au

10. Treatment Options Treatment varies depending on the type, size, and stage of cancer. 08 Surgical Treatments Non-Surgical Treatments Radiotherapy Excision Used for cancers that are difficult to remove surgically or for patients who are not suitable for surgery. The cancerous area and some surrounding healthy tissue are removed. Cryotherapy Mohs Surgery Freezing the cancerous cells is an option for some superficial skin cancers. A technique that removes cancerous cells layer by layer to reduce the amount of tissue removed. Immunotherapy Often used for advanced cancers that are to difficult to remove with an operation or when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body After treatment, follow-up care is essential to monitor for recurrence. ENT specialists often schedule regular skin checks to ensure ongoing health and early detection of any new concerns.

11. Prevention & Protection Strategies 09 Apply Sunscreen Use SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, especially on exposed areas like the face and neck. Wear Protective Clothing Hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts provide added protection. Avoid Peak Sun Exposure Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest. Routine Skin Checks Regularly inspect your skin for changes and schedule professional skin checks with your healthcare provider. www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au All content © 2025 Dr. Brett Leavers. All Rights Reserved. www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au

12. Early Detection Saves Lives 10 If you notice changes in your skin, persistent sores, or unusual lumps, consult an ENT specialist for expert evaluation. Early intervention ensures timely care, improving outcomes and reducing risks associated with advanced skin cancer. Consult a qualified Health Care Provider who can assess your individual situation and recommend the most appropriate care. www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au All content © 2025 Dr. Brett Leavers. All Rights Reserved.

13. THANK YOU www.drleavers.com.au www.drleavers.com.au Phone: (02) 9037 6373 Fax: (02) 9037 6372 Email: reception@entsc.com.au All content © 2025 Dr. Brett Leavers. All Rights Reserved.