Surgical management of head and neck carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To describe surgical approaches to the management of head and neck cancers and discuss postoperative management and challenges in rehabilitation of patients with head and neck cancer. DATA SOURCES: Peer reviewed journals, reference books, research studies.
CONCLUSION: Surgical management of tumors in the head and neck is complex and challenging. It is influenced by tumor size, location, previous treatment, and histopathology. Technologic advances have led to better preoperative planning, improved intraoperative interventions, decreased postoperative functional defects, and extended survival in select cases. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: A multidisciplinary oncology team approach to care is essential to successful outcomes. Basic survival skills such as breathing, eating, and communicating are all subject to compromise as a result of the disease process and treatment.