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Semin Plast Surg 2010; 24(2): 127-136
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1255330
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer

Shyh-An Yeh1
  • 1Department of Radiation Oncology, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Publication History

Publication Date:
21 June 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Treatment for patients with head and neck cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach. Radiotherapy is employed as a primary treatment or as an adjuvant to surgery. Each specific subsite dictates the appropriate radiotherapy techniques, fields, dose, and fractionation scheme. Quality of life is also an important issue in the management of head and neck cancer. The radiation-related complications have a tremendous impact on the quality of life. Modern radiotherapy techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy and image-guided radiotherapy, can offer precise radiation delivery and reduce the dose to the surrounding normal tissues without compromise of target coverage. In the future, efforts should be made in the exploration of novel strategies to improve treatment outcome in patients with head and neck cancer.

KEYWORDS

Radiotherapy - intensity-modulated - head and neck cancer - brachytherapy

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Shyh-An YehM.D. 

Department of Radiation Oncology, E-Da Hospital, No. 1, E-Da Road, Yan-Chau Shiang, Kaohsiung County

Taiwan 82445

Email: yehsa@hotmail.com