Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

A multidisciplinary approach is the fundamental prerequisite for the management of head and neck cancer patients. There have been significant advances across the multiple specialties involved in diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer over the past decade. The rapid progress in technology, computing power and optics has translated to early detection and staging of head and neck malignancies, new class of minimal access surgical techniques (e.g. robotic and endoscopic) for surgery and precise, accurate and significantly less toxic delivery of radiotherapy. Developments in molecular biology led to the introduction of several new targeted therapies which are gradually replacing standard chemotherapy giving better treatment outcomes with significantly less toxicity. The quality of life for head and neck cancer patient improved very dramatically due to incorporating of holistic supportive approach of patient care provided by nurses, dieticians, restorative dentistry, speech and language specialists, physiotherapists, social workers, and clinical psychologists. The management of head and neck cancer patients became very complex involving many different specialties therefore coordination of patient’s care is extremely vital and important in securing good quality of the whole therapeutic process. This usually culminates at multidisciplinary team meeting where patients care is discussed and treatment option is formulated to ensure the most optimal care plan for the individual patient. The future development in technology incorporating artificial intelligence should lead to further improvement in diagnosis and treatment of head neck cancer patients. The introduction of molecular biology has already changed the landscape of cancer treatment and created the foundation for the further individualization of patient’s therapeutic options.