REVIEWS   

Otorinolaringologia 2016 September;66(3):63-74

Copyright © 2016 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Management principles and new therapies for head and neck cancer: an update

Ulrich R. GOESSLER

Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Katharina Kasper-Kliniken, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

The treatment of head and neck malignancies remains a challenging task for the head and neck surgeon as the chosen treatment modality often has to bridge the gap between oncologically sound radicality and preservation of function. The most vexing challenge is the treatment of complications – both from chemoradiation and previous surgery alike. Wound healing disturbances, fistulas and stenoses are extremely demanding in choosing and performing the right treatment. In addition, the reconstruction of head and neck defects remains challenging. This article aims at outlining possible management strategies of complications in the head and neck patient as well as possible reconstructive options in selected head and neck defects.