Complex treatment of head and neck cancers – overview

Treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) is exceptionally complex,
requiring the close cooperation of the head and neck surgeon, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist. Excellent tumor control should be our primary goal, however, the selection of treatment should not only be guided by oncologic radicality but by the need of satisfactory quality of life (as most local therapies affect respiratory, swallowing and/or speech function), too. Based on the appropriate diagnostic workup, these cancers are classifi ed into early, locoregionally advanced or recurrent/metastatic stages. Each category requires different treatment modalities, further complicated by the localization of the primary tumor and its metastases, performance status of the patient, comorbidities, and the biology of the lesion. In the present review, the authors summarize the basics of the therapy of head and neck cancers.