Panoramic radiographs of head and neck cancer patients are often evidence of carotid artery atherosclerotic lesions: a sign of high-risk comorbid illness.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and identify the risk factors for calcified carotid artery plaque (CCAP) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Radiographs of 48 consecutive patients were evaluated for CCAP and their medical histories reviewed for the anatomic extent of cancer (staging) and atherogenic risk factors (age, extent of alcohol and tobacco use, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus).

RESULTS

Unilateral or bilateral CCAPs were found in 52.1% of subjects (mean age, 61.5 years). Hypertension was seen in a larger percentage (60%; P = .049) of subjects with CCAP on their radiographs compared with those without CCAP (30.4%). No other atheroma risk factors or stage of cancer differed significantly between those with and those without CCAP.

CONCLUSION

Panoramic radiographs of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck show a very high rate of CCAP, a marker of comorbid vascular diseases that may cause treatment complications and affect overall survival.