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

ImportanceIn 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.ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze sex differences in tumor regression and survival, as well as host- and disease-related factors.DesignA retrospective cohort study.SettingTertiary Care, University Hospital.Participants1115 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 MeasuresSeveral host- and disease-related factors were analyzed to determine possible sex differences.ResultsThis 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 (<i>P</i> < .001), Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) stage (<i>P</i> = .04), treatment modality (<i>P</i> = .027), alcohol consumption (<i>P</i> = .005), and alcohol cessation (<i>P</i> < .001).Conclusions and RelevanceThis 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.