Key Points An esophagogram, sometimes called a barium swallow, should be used to evaluate pharyngeal mucosa, whereas a modified barium swallow should be used to assess deglutition. Positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) has become an essential modality for the staging,…
Key Points Understanding normal swallow physiology and pathophysiology is essential in the evaluation and management of dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer. Evaluation of dysphagia in patients with head and neck cancer requires comprehensive assessment using clinical and…
Key Points Oropharyngeal reconstruction is complex, but an organized systematic approach using the reconstructive ladder aids the surgeon in the decision-making process. The simplest reconstruction that results in the highest level of function should be chosen. The size and location…
Key Points The four primary subsites of the oropharynx are the palatine tonsil, base of tongue, soft palate, and posterior pharyngeal wall. Transoral laser microsurgery uses a bivalved laryngoscope or mouth gag, operating microscope, and mounted or handheld carbon-dioxide laser…
Key Points The oropharynx is a common site for the presentation of upper aerodigestive tract malignancies, more than 90% of which are histopathologically squamous cell carcinoma. A steadily progressive epidemic of human papillomavirus–associated oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma marks current head…
Key Points A large number of different tumors can arise in the nasopharynx. Juvenile angiofibroma (JNA) is the most common benign tumor in the male adolescent, and tumor can extend into the paranasal sinuses, infratemporal fossa, and skull base as…
Key Points Paranasal sinus malignancies present insidiously and have poor survival outcomes due in part to advanced stage at initial diagnosis. Substantial heterogeneity in histology and corresponding biologic aggressiveness is encountered, with squamous cell carcinoma and rhabdomyosarcoma being the most…
Key Points Dentoalveolar evaluations should be accomplished prior to radiation therapy (RT) in the interest of establishing lifelong prognoses for those teeth to be included in potential radiation fields. Teeth with poor prognoses should be extracted before RT, preferably at…
Key Points The most common causes of mandibular defects requiring reconstruction are malignancy, benign tumors, trauma, infection, and osteoradionecrosis. The goals of mandibular reconstruction are to (1) maintain oral competency, (2) maintain occlusal relationships of remaining teeth, (3) maintain the…
Key Points Early detection of oral cancer directly results in improved survival after treatment. Tobacco use and habitual alcohol consumption synergistically increase the risk of developing oral carcinoma. For most presentations of cancer of the oral cavity, the risk of…