Head and neck cancer explained: an overview of management pathways

Head and neck cancer is a rare disease and general dental practitioners (GDPs) are at the forefront of head and neck assessment for malignancy in the community. Having an awareness of the signs and symptoms with which head and neck cancers can present promotes earlier diagnosis and increases the potential for better prognosis and quality of life. This article will outline the head and neck cancer pathway from presentation, diagnosis and management planning, to treatment and beyond. This should help to give GDPs insight into the process their patients will experience while under the care of the multidisciplinary team and enable them to give patients returning to primary care the best support. This article is part of a larger series that will explore each facet of care in greater detail to give a significantly greater understanding of the pathway.