Semin Plast Surg 2010; 24(2): 107-116
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1255328
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Head and Neck Cancer: An Overview

David Stepnick1 , 2 , David Gilpin1
  • 1Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
  • 2Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Lyndhurst, Ohio
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
21 June 2010 (online)

ABSTRACT

Ablative surgery for malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract is the most common reason why the reconstructive surgeon is called upon to reconstruct adult head and neck defects. An understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of head and neck malignancy is vital to the reconstructive surgeon so that restoration of both form and function can be achieved. It is important to understand the behavior of cancers of each head and neck subsite, as staging and ultimately the treatment of tumors from each subsite is different. Historically, the standard treatment of head and neck cancer was surgery and/or primary radiation therapy with surgical salvage for failure. Beginning in the 1980s, advances in chemotherapy and concurrent delivery with radiation offered new options to standard surgical therapy. Over the past two decades, the concept of organ preservation using chemotherapy together with radiation therapy has been definitively established. Yet, even with the strides made over these two decades with chemoradiation, surgical treatment of head and neck cancer and reconstruction thereof will be an important treatment option for the foreseeable future. Therefore, the relationship between the extirpative and reconstructive surgeon is vital, and a clear understanding of the biology and behavior of head and neck malignancy is crucial to successful patient outcomes.

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David StepnickM.D. F.A.C.S. 

Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, 29001 Cedar Road

Suite 202, Lyndhurst, OH 44124

Email: David.Stepnick@uhhospitals.org