Perspective Chapter: Role of Genetics, Stem Cells in Reconstructive Surgery—Their Perspectives in Craniofacial Diseases and Syndromes

Abstract

Genetic screening, counseling, and mapping play a vital role in identification of mutant genes/chromosomes, thereby preventing the progression of the disease in craniofacial anamolies, head and neck cancer in susceptible patients. Stem cells have a wide application in treating autoimmune diseases and systemic diseases, craniofacial anomalies, head and neck cancers, esthetic and reconstructive surgery, etc. At large, surgery has been the mainstay of treatment in both disease varieties. Targeted therapies with genetic engineering and stem cell transplantation go hand in hand for improving the prognosis of these diseases to a phenomenal extent. The identification of the disease at the level of chromosomal mutation stem cell therapy in conjunction with surgery is a suitable option to obtain satisfactory results in both the disease entities. This methodical combination aids in correction of the relapse and recurrence in craniofacial anomalies as well as head and neck cancers. This chapter projects and encourages insight into the perspective approach and the importance of combining whole genome sequencing and mapping along with stem cell therapy along with the conventional treatment modalities in treatment of craniofacial deformities, head and neck neoplasms with the right timing and proper case selection to appreciate better results.