23 - Head and Neck Malignancies

Abstract

Head and neck cancers are the sixth most common group of malignancies worldwide. In the United States, the estimated incidence is 65,000 new cases per year. Head and neck cancers can arise in the oral cavity, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, oropharynx, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, larynx, and salivary glands. Multiple histologies can be found in these sites, but more than 90% are squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). SCC is associated with aggressive behavior and high incidence of locoregional recurrence. This chapter summarizes the initial management of patients with head and neck malignancies. The first part of the chapter focuses on the assessment of the disease and highlights changes in the latest edition of the staging system. The last part of the chapter discusses the importance of neck disease and the treatment of the metastatic neck.