You are caring for a patient 2 days post-op of removal of a large squamous cell carcinoma of the neck. While you are doing discharge teaching, the patient asks, "Is my cancer going to spread to other parts of my body?"
What is your best response?
A) "It is highly likely that this type of cancer will spread."
B) "Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck usually does not spread to distant sites in the body."
C) "You will have to speak to your oncologist about that."
D) "Squamous cell carcinoma is nothing to be concerned about, so don't worry."
Ans: B
Feedback: The incidence of distant metastasis with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (including larynx cancer) is relatively low. Options C and D are incorrect because they minimize the patient's anxiety and dismiss the question as not important.
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