Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck region is a challenging region of the body, containing critical parts associated with basic physiological functions including respiration, nutrition and expression. Structural disfiguration and functional impairments may considerably compromise social integration and quality of life. This updated evidence-based guide to the current management of cancer cases at all head and neck sites will assist in the appropriate selection and delineation of tumor volumes/fields for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), including volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). Each tumor site-related chapter in this book presents, from the perspective of an academic expert, several actual cases at different stages in order to clarify specific clinical concepts. The coverage includes case presentation, a case-related literature review, patient preparation, simulation, contouring, treatment planning, treatment delivery, and follow-up. The text is accompanied by illustrations ranging from slice-by-slice delineations on planning CT images to finalized plan evaluations based on detailed acceptance criteria. This updated work will furnish the practicing healthcare providers with a contemporary evidence-based management guide to fulfill the goal of having ‘’cured’’ but functionally unimpaired patients.