Head and Neck Cancers Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Abstract

The NCCN Head and Neck Cancers guidelines address tumors arising in the lip, oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, glottic and supraglottic larynx, paranasal (ethmoid and maxillary) sinuses, nasopharynx, and salivary glands, as well as occult primary cancer. Approximately 39,250 new cases of oral cavity, pharyngeal, and laryngeal cancers will occur in 2005, which accounts for about 3% of new cancer cases in the United States. An estimated 11,090 deaths from head and neck (H&N) cancers will occur in 2005. Alcohol and tobacco abuse are common etiologic factors in cancers of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx. Moreover, because the entire aerodigestive tract epithelium may be exposed to these carcinogens, patients with H&N cancer are at risk for developing second primary neoplasms of the H&N, lung, and esophagus. For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org