Head and Neck Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Head and neck cancers comprise a heterogeneous group of complex malignancies that require the interaction of a multidisciplinary group of specialists for optimal standard of care management.  The increasing incidence of oropharyngeal cancer that is related to HPV16 positivity is an epidemic that requires intensive medical attention as the numbers of patients escalate throughout this decade.  The art and science of head and neck cancer care has mandated evolutionary approaches in diagnosis, treatment and research.  The traditional cause of this type of cancer has been heavy alcohol and tobacco usage and these continue to be of importance.  However, we are now faced with the human papilloma virus as a very important agent that has become associated in particular with oropharyngeal cancers.

The importance of proper head and neck cancer screening is crucial for the general dentist and oral surgeon to comprehend and practice.  The subsequent appropriate referral of these patients to multidisciplinary cancer centers specializing in head and neck malignancies will provide the optimum care of these patients.  In many of these cases, the dentist and oral surgeon will be instrumental specialists that must be involved with their care initially and long term.

This comprehensive and dynamic seminar will present a multidisciplinary approach to head and neck cancer for the general dentist and oral surgeon.  It will cover the epidemiology, clinical presentations, diagnostic approaches, and the work up of such patients.  The multidisciplinary care team will include presentations dealing with head and neck surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, radiation oncology and systemic therapeutic interventions.  The post-treatment care of these patients will include discussions on clinical follow up, dental care implications and quality of life issues of these patients.

Learning Objectives:

1.   Overview of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment of Head and Neck cancers

2.   The role of dental professionals in head and neck cancers

3.   Causative factors including Human Papillomavirus

Various:

Cancer Centers of America Team Members:  Oncologists, Head and Neck Surgeons, Pathologist, Dietician, Speech Therapist and Oncology Nurse Specialist showing Team Approach to Oral Cancer.

Schedule:

8:00-9:00am Registration & Continental Breakfast

Noon-1:00pm Lunch

9:00am-4:00pm Course