Cutaneous Head and Neck Malignancies in the Elderly.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Cutaneous malignancies of the head and neck disproportionately affect elderly individuals.
• Tumor severity varies from early-stage lesions to advanced, metastatic cancers.
• Geriatric patients often present with comorbidities complicating surgical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review treatment modalities for common head and neck skin cancers in the elderly.
• To outline recommendations for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
• To address the challenges posed by comorbidities in geriatric cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of treatment options for head and neck skin cancers.
• Analysis of surgical, radiation, and medical therapy approaches.
• Focus on evidence-based recommendations for geriatric populations.

Main Results:

• Surgical treatment remains primary but carries increased risk in elderly patients.
• Radiation and medical therapies offer alternative and adjuvant treatment options.
• Management strategies must account for patient age and comorbidities.

Conclusions:

• Multidisciplinary treatment approaches are essential for head and neck skin cancers in the elderly.
• Personalized treatment plans considering comorbidities improve outcomes.
• Further research into optimizing non-surgical options for this demographic is warranted.