Interventional Management of Head and Neck Tumors

Advancements in medical imaging and device technology allow minimal invasive procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of various disorders. For the management of tumors in head and neck region, these image-guided interventions play essential role in the often used multidisciplinary approach. Tissue sampling under ultrasound or computed tomography guidance is generally the first step to reach a pathological diagnosis. For head and neck tumors with high vascularity, embolization using particulate matter, liquid embolic agents, or coils is used to achieve successful tumor resection with minimal blood loss. Hemorrhage related to head and neck tumors can be evaluated and managed with endovascular techniques with minimal morbidity and mortality. Intra-arterial chemotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and cryotherapy are new techniques for the management of advanced head and neck cancer which may serve as an alternative to achieve locoregional control and survival when curative resection may not be feasible.