Head and neck cancer survivorship management

Abstract

Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors present with unique needs related to the long-term effects of cancer therapy on upper aerodigestive tract functions. Management of HNC varies depending on the patient’s individual stage and subsite of HNC, cancer treatment history, and psychosocial needs. In general, long-term functioning is optimized by multidisciplinary treatment planning with consideration of both acute and late adverse effects. Risk-reduction strategies such as oral care, targeted exercise, swallowing therapy, nutritional counseling, and audiologic monitoring are best implemented early in the HNC treatment trajectory. Posttreatment surveillance facilitates detection of recurrences and second primary tumors, as well as monitoring of long-term functional rehabilitation needs.