Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancers account for 4% of all cancers in the relatively small body region of head and neck, but this critically important body site is highly crucial in basic physiological functions of expression, nutrition, respiration, and social interactions including personal appearance. Various degrees of structural deformities and compromised functional and social integration are inevitable results of head and neck cancers depending on the size, site, and spread pattern. Management of head and neck cancers also causes additional cosmetic and functional morbidity with significant impact on survival, tumor control, function, and quality of life. In the interdisciplinary management of head and neck cancers, collaborations among surgical, radiation, medical, and dental oncologist as well as reconstructive surgeons, physical and rehabilitation physicians, nurses, speech and swallowing therapists, dietitians, social workers, and spiritual care personnel are essential. There have been many advances achieved in understanding the natural history, biology, and radiation treatment of head and neck cancers. Basic concepts that are crucial to understanding head and neck cancers are reviewed in depth in this chapter.