Head and neck squamous cancers

Head and neck squamous cancers are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with varying etiologic factors, presenting symptoms, staging, treatment, and expected outcome. In this monograph, we discuss principles of management common to all sites as well as individual differences. The presenting symptoms of disease are reviewed, stressing the importance of early diagnosis. Accurate pathologic diagnosis can be improved on in difficult cases by newer immunohistochemical techniques. Following diagnosis, accurate clinical staging must be performed, and the evaluation of an unknown primary in the neck is described. We review general considerations for planning the treatment of head and neck cancer, and then discuss specific guidelines for individual sites, stressing the optimal integration of surgery and radiation therapy, particularly brachytherapy. Controversial management issues and new, innovative approaches are discussed. The conventional use of chemotherapy in head and neck cancer is for palliation of recurrent disease. In recent years, chemotherapy has been added to the primary treatment program in an induction role, as a radiosensitizer, as an adjunct following standard therapy, and for organ preservation. The current status of these roles is reviewed. This is a cancer for which there are known etiologic agents. Future efforts in this disease should be directed toward early detection and prevention.