[Outcome of the geriatric head and neck cancer patient]

Demographic changes are influencing the spectrum of patients seen in ear, nose, and throat medicine. Geriatric tumor patients vary greatly in terms of their comorbidities and physical function, requiring an adaptation of typical treatment concepts.

The aim of this work was to examine the current prospects for treating head and neck tumors in geriatric patients, with a focus on survival, functionality, and quality of life.

A narrative literature search and discussion were conducted, considering the aforementioned question. The graphics were created using Windows PowerPoint 2019 (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA), Servier Medical Art (Servier, Munich, Germany).

Patients with head and neck tumors who are older than 70 years survive for significantly shorter periods than younger patients (under 70 years), with a median survival time of 35 months. They generally require comprehensive, personalized treatment plans that extend well beyond acute oncological intervention to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.

The increased complexity of cases involving geriatric patients, coupled with their growing numbers, requires expanded collaboration with geriatric screening and intervention programs, the development of the necessary infrastructure, staff training, and the inclusion of this patient group in future studies.