Functional Preservation and Quality of Life in Head and Neck Radiotherapy

The emphasis on cancer management in the past was based primarily on control rates from multidisciplinary input in management. There has always been a recognition that one would like to achieve the best result with the least complication, but never has there been any major emphasis on evidence-based outcome studies, nor on functional preservation and quality of life. The authors of this book have dealt very effectively with the various tumor types in head and neck cancer with the experts in the ? eld of management. The contents range from epidemiology and treatment outcome, treatment techniques with the potential impact on the quality of life such as dysphagia, to the various options relative to high technology radiation therapy programs for mana- ment. The potential for improving form and function through surgical care as an integrated part of the program is dealt with very effectively as well as the potentials for chemotherapy and the use of targeted agents have on quality of life issues. The volume also addresses toxicity, quality of life, and techniques for prevention of adverse effects, as well as the potentials for rehabilitation and supportive care. The authors have clearly done an extraordinarily good job in addressing the mul- plicity of problems that impact upon the functional preservation and quality of life in head and neck radiation therapy. Philadelphia Luther W.

Is unique in focusing specifically on functional preservation and quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer treated by radiotherapy The use of short chapters and key point tables enables busy clinical practitioners and researchers to quickly find the information they need Benefits from an outstanding list of contributors and many detailed illustrations Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Klappentext
This book focuses on functional treatment outcomes in head and neck cancer patients from the perspective of experts from around the world in medical and allied health fields. Recent advances in management strategies are presented as they relate to functional preservation and quality of life. Clinical and research knowledge is organized in an approachable manner by means of short chapters, key point tables, and high-quality illustrations and graphics. This method of presentation is very effective for busy clinical practitioners and researchers. Information is provided on site-specific epidemiology and treatment outcome, the impact of different treatment techniques and toxicities on quality of life, and the relationship of toxicity prevention, rehabilitation, and supportive care to quality of life after treatment, Among literature on the treatment of head and neck cancer, this book is unique because of the outstanding list of contributors and the specific focus on functional preservation and quality of life.

Zusammenfassung
From the reviews: "The aim of this book is to discuss and present to the reader - most of all and most importantly to health-care providers - the updated clinical and epidemiological research and results in this field. ... this is an important, impressive, relevant book, that should be read and properly 'digested' by all members of large specialized teams of experts who care for these patients, very often at the end of their life, due to the late discovery of the disease." (Giampiero Beluffi, La Radiologica Medica, Vol. 115, 2010)

Inhalt
Epidemiology and Treatment Outcome.- Oral Cavity Cancer.- Oropharynx: Epidemiology and Treatment Outcome.- Hypopharynx.- Laryngeal Cancer: Epidemiology and Treatment Outcomes.- Nasopharynx.- Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity.- Salivary Glands and Quality of Life.- Head and Neck Sarcomas and Lymphomas.- Thyroid Cancer.- Cervical Lymph Node Metastases from Unknown Primary Tumors.- Treatment Techniques with Potential Impact on QOL.- Dysphagia-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Cancer in the Oropharynx: An Advantage for Brachytherapy?.- Improving the Quality of Life of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer by Highly Conformal Radiotherapy.- Advantages of Proton Beam Therapy in Functional Preservation and Quality of Life in Head and Neck Radiotherapy.- Target Definition and Delineation CT/MRI/PET-Guided Targets.- Advanced Techniques for Setup Precision and Tracking.- Adaptive Image-Guided Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer.- Improving Form and function Through Surgical Care in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.- The Contribution of Chemotherapy.- Contributions of Targeted Agents.- Toxicity, Quality of Life, Prevention, Rehabilitation, Supportive Care.- Late Radiation-Induced Side Effects.- Head and Neck Cancer Quality of Life Instruments.- Measuring and Reporting Toxicity.- Effects of Radiotherapy on Swallowing Function: Evaluation, Treatment, and Patient-Reported Outcomes.- Dental Prophylaxis and Care.- Smoking Cessation.- Supportive Therapy Including Nutrition.- Communication and Palliative Care in Head and Neck Cancer.- Organized Head and Neck Cancer Care.