Monday, July 9, 2018

Treatment of head & neck Cancers

1. Radiotherapy-
a.Radical intent (organ preservation in cases of Ca- Larynx, Oropharynx.
b.Adjuvant intent- after surgery, depending on post op histopathology report.
c.Palliative- for symptom control like bleeding, pain in case of very advanced or metastatic cases.

2.Surgery-
       mainstay of treatment for oral cavity cancers. One must go for surgery, when it is indicated.

3. Chemotherapy-
a.Neoadjuvant- before any definitive treatment, for organ preservation plan.
b.Concurrent- along with radiation for enhancing the effect of radiotherapy.
c.Adjuvant- tried in the past, but no definite role.
d.Palliative- in very advanced/metastatic cases for symptom control.