Work

Sex Differences in Head and Neck Carcinoma – A Retrospective Study on 1115 Head and Neck Carcinoma Patients in Austria

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Importance In different types of carcinoma, sex has a strong impact on risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes. Previous studies have reported that female patients with head and neck carcinoma (HNC) have better survival. Objective This study aimed to analyze sex differences in tumor regression and survival, as well as host- and disease-related factors. Design A retrospective cohort study. Setting Tertiary Care, University Hospital. Participants 1115 patients registered in the Head and Neck Tumor Registry of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck were included. Main Outcome Measures Several host- and disease-related factors were analyzed to determine possible sex differences. Results This study included 1115 patients with HNC, of whom 78.6% (n = 876) were men and 21.4% (n = 239) were women. There were no differences in tumor regression or incident cases per year in our department between male and female patients with HNC. Statistically significant sex differences were found for tumor site ( P < .001), Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stage ( P = .04), treatment modality ( P = .027), alcohol consumption ( P = .005), and alcohol cessation ( P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance This study revealed significant sex differences in patients with HNC. Female patients with HNC were characterized by a higher percentage of oral carcinoma, lower UICC tumor stage, single treatment modality, and less alcohol consumption than men.

Source: Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

DOI: 10.1177/19160216251318238