Early Detection and Treatment of Head & Neck Cancers: Theoretical Background and Newly Emerging Research

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a heterogeneous group of cancers that, if combined, represent one of the most common cancer types. Patients with HNC suffer significant morbidity and mortality due to the importance of the structures involved. Over two-thirds of these patients are diagnosed at a late stage, leading to a poor prognosis. Therefore, advancements in early detection and treatment of HNC are crucial. This second volume provides an up-to-date overview of the theoretical background in the field of head and neck cancer (HNC) as well as of the emerging research that is impacting our understanding of this disease. The book begins with a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and staging of HNC. Next, it covers the essentials of potentially malignant disorders of the oral cavity, an important variety of HNC. Subsequently, it covers the newly emerging research in the field of HNC. The overall goal is to shift towards precision medicine (discussed in detail in Volume I), which will bring individualized clinical benefit to patients with HNC.

This second volume of Early Detection and Treatment of Head & Neck Cancers concludes with the topic of chronic pain associated with HNC, including both the mechanisms of pain and the management strategies, and the emerging oral mucoadhesive drug delivery approach for HNC. All HNC surgeons, scientists, residents, and individuals whose lives have been touched by this disease, will recognize the impact pain has upon a patient’s health and his or her recovery trajectory.