This is the fifth book in an international, multi-contributed series aimed at providing practical, clinical guidance on how to deal with difficult symptoms related to specific cancer sites. In it, the editors bring together palliative care and oncological treatment for patients with head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer is one of the most frightening and distressing cancers for patients and their families as it affects appearance, the ability to speak, and the ability to eat. Pain, which is difficult to treat, infection, and disfiguring surgery with wounds that often do not heal, are comm ... More

This is the fifth book in an international, multi-contributed series aimed at providing practical, clinical guidance on how to deal with difficult symptoms related to specific cancer sites. In it, the editors bring together palliative care and oncological treatment for patients with head and neck cancer. Head and neck cancer is one of the most frightening and distressing cancers for patients and their families as it affects appearance, the ability to speak, and the ability to eat. Pain, which is difficult to treat, infection, and disfiguring surgery with wounds that often do not heal, are common accompaniments of advanced disease. In addition, psychological distress, loneliness, and isolation are often experienced by patients. Head and neck cancer is not that common but, when it does occur, it very often needs specialist help from palliative care and hospice clinicians. There is little written on this subject and this book provides a practical guide that draws together all the information in an easily accessible format. The Palliative Care Consultations series is primarily aimed at those individuals working in an acute hospital cancer centre and/or tertiary referral centre. The books are designed to give the busy clinician advice on clinical problems, both those rarely encountered and those that are very common but difficult.