Cutaneous Malignancy of the Head and Neck: A Multidisciplinary Approach

Skin cancer, including melanoma and nonmelanoma cancers, is the most common malignancy in the United States and constitutes an evolving global epidemic. Although the majority of these lesions occur on the head and neck, the treatment of skin cancer crosses numerous medical and surgical specialties. Unfortunately, the preponderance of treatment occurs in a disjointed fashion as dermatologists, surgeons, primary care providers, and radiation oncologists endeavor to cure patients within their own spheres. Consequently, aggressive malignancies are often identified late, and patient outcomes are unsatisfactory, with potentially avoidable morbidity and mortality.Dr. Randal Weber, Professor and Chairman of Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and a world-renowned leader in the treatment of aggressive cutaneous malignancy, and Dr. Brian A. Moore have assembled a panel of current and emerging leaders in comprehensive oncologic care to clarify the challenges and advances in treating skin cancer of the head and neck. Unlike other anatomic regions, the complex anatomy, unique functions, and aesthetic import of head and neck structures demand great technical expertise and a collaborative approach to meet the expectations of patients.For the first time, a true multidisciplinary approach to cutaneous malignancy of the head and neck is presented, as international experts in head and neck surgical oncology, dermatology, Mohs micrographic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery, radiation oncology, and medical oncology present state-of-the-art techniques and promising horizons in the treatment of cutaneous malignancy of the head and neck. Whether in primary care or a specialty practice, this text should prove invaluable to any practitioner who treats patients with skin cancer of the head and neck.