Issues in Head and Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a rapidly evolving field of medical science. Tremendous progress has been made over the past five decades in revealing the basic molecular biology involved in the disease process, developing and adopting more effective organ-preserving treatment protocols and refining surgical ablative and reconstructive approaches to facilitate functional restoration of patients without compromising survival. We now have a much clearer understanding of the disease, its management and the rehabilitation of patients. But there is still much to be done. This book aims to cover a range of exciting new findings in clinical sciences, basic sciences and allied specialties with an emphasis on their relevance to HNC. This work promises to improve preventive and therapeutic strategies and will hopefully culminate in improved outcomes of HNC. The contributions have been made by established leaders in the field and every effort has been made to address the issue in a comprehensive, yet concise, manner for the benefit of readers. We believe that this book will be of value to established/in-training clinicians, scientists, allied professionals, as well as medical students who have inquisitive minds and wish to further enhance their knowledge of HNC.

Rehan Kazi is a head and neck cancer scientist with the Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, UK. He was awarded the 2006 Byers' Award by the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) for his PhD work. He is currently involved in newer research on patient outcomes and quality of life. He also serves as the secretary-general of the Cancer Aid and Research Foundation (CARF), Mumbai, India.

Kevin J. Harington is a noted radiation oncologist consultant, scientist, teacher and author at the Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust and reader at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.

Raghav C. Dwivedi is a clinical fellow in head and neck surgery at the Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK. His area of interest is head and neck surgical oncology.

Peter Rhys-Evans is a senior head and neck consultant surgeon, teacher and author at the Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust and honorary senior lecturer at the Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK