Overview

This book presents in a comprehensive way cur- the clinical care of the patient with head and neck rent advances in the management of neoplasia cancer involvement and/or its complications. and associated complications of the head and Today's complex treatments in oncology re- neck. A broad range of clinical considerations is quire a comprehensive approach to effect a posi- discussed following overviews of relevant basic tive result for the cancer patient whose facial biologic issues and the roles of various disci- appearance and function are compromised. We plines. Each chapter has been structured to trust that physicians, dentists, nurses, dental "stand by itself"; at the same time, obvious rela- hygienists, and individuals in the supportive ser- tionships with other chapters have been noted. vices involved in the management of the cancer We are pleased that this book represents, in our patient will find this book beneficial. opinion, a truly multidisciplinary approach to Xl I. INTRODUCTION 1. CANCER, ITS COMPLICATIONS, AND THE HEAD AND NECK Stephen T. Sanis Few diseases are as complex in their biology, tumors, such as colorectal cancers, seems physiology, pathology, or management as can- equivocal [3]. cer [1, 2]. In addition, the disease concurrently has extensive psychological impact on patients.