Overview of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeries in Oncology and the Role of Maxillofacial Prosthodontist

In head and neck cancers (HNC), surgery is the preferred primary modality of treatment followed by adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) and/or chemotherapy (CT). These resection surgeries result into various defects affecting functions like eating, swallowing, speech, and breathing. Face is our identity to the society. Any change or deviation from normal affects the person’s self-esteem and morale. Hence proper reconstruction to restore function along with equal consideration for aesthetics is necessary (Fig. 5.1). The goal of treatment is to restore and achieve good quality of life (QoL).