Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNC) encompass a diverse group of tumors in terms of clinical behavior and involved subsites. There are an estimated 55,000 new cases of HNC diagnosed each year in the USA, and worldwide represents the sixth most common cancer. The vast majority of HNC is caused by squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with tobacco and alcohol abuse being the two most common risk factors. However, over the last 20 years, there has been an emergence of a biologically distinct disease in HPV-related oropharyngeal SCC. This virally related carcinoma is increasing at epidemic rates within the USA and is not associated with typical risk factors. Along with these changes have come technological advancements in the treatment of this disease and other head and neck cancers. Minimally invasive surgical options, including transoral laser microsurgery (TLM), transoral roboti surgery (TORS), and endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS), have allowed for surgical treatment of disease processes with decreased morbidity and side effects. Similarly, the nonsurgical treatment of HNC has advanced as well. Image-guidance and more precise treatment planning options have advanced head and neck radiation treatment, while new chemotherapeutic and biologic regimens have allowed for decreased treatment-related morbidity. Genomic and molecular advances will continue to drive future improvements in the care for patients with head and neck cancers as well.
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Stadler, M.E., Patel, M.R., Couch, M.E. (2015). Advances in Head and Neck Surgery. In: Latifi, R., Rhee, P., Gruessner, R. (eds) Technological Advances in Surgery, Trauma and Critical Care. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2671-8_18
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2671-8_18
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