Innovation in the surgical management of head and neck tumors

The surgical management of head and neck tumors continues to evolve with a focus on reducing treatment-related morbidity. The major changes in the past two decades have been the introduction of function-preserving, minimally invasive surgical approaches and a dramatic change in the ability to reconstruct ablative defects and restore form and function. The future certainly will include better evidence regarding the efficacy and appropriate application of these new techniques. Reconstructive techniques will continue to evolve with introduction of tissue engineering and cell therapy to further improve the quality of life of patients afflicted with head and neck malignancies.