Head and neck cancers comprise a heterogenous group of malignant tumors arising from the upper aerodigestive tract. In 2022, it is expected that there will be 54,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States and more than 11,000 deaths.
Advancements in management have improved the clinical care of these patients and principles guiding treatment decision-making have evolved in response to new techniques, instrumentation, and technology. Yet, the success of the multi-disciplinary, synergistic management that has improved survival prognosis and quality of life for patients with head and neck cancer remains dependent on early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Dentists’ familiarity with and access to their patients' oral cavities make them uniquely suited to be the gateway to the multi-disciplinary treatment pathway for head and neck cancer and as such can significantly enhance patients’ life expectancy.
Dr. James Hamilton will review the comprehensive work-up, and interdisciplinary management of patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer including oncologic and reconstructive surgical treatment with a focus on early recognition and diagnosis and the dentist’s role in the detection, management, and surveillance of head and neck cancer.
After completing this course, participants will be able to explain and describe:
- Intraoral and extraoral manifestations of malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract
- Indications for dental referral for oncologic workup
- Dental considerations in cancer management.
- Ablative approaches to head and neck cancer
- Reconstructive options for post-ablative head and neck defects
- Interdisciplinary management of post-treatment patients
