Current options in management of head and neck cancer patients

Head and neck cancer, particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the upp er aerodigestive tract, poses difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challeng es to the clinician. A methodical approach, including complete visualizatio n of mucosal surfaces, appropriate imaging, and tissue diagnosis whenever p ossible, gives patients the best opportunity for early intervention A treat ment program sf surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy is best developed by a devoted head and neck oncologic team, involving surgeons, radiation and med ical oncologists, and rehabilitative specialists with significant experienc e in the care of head and neck oncologic patients. Despite new advancements in the treatment of patients with advanced stage SCC of the head and neck, little progress has been made in overall survival. Several new avenues of investigation are currently being explored, one of which may ultimately pro vide the answer for this devastating disease.