Maxillofacial Restoration after Head and Neck Tumor Therapy

Abstract

Oral and pharyngeal cancers are mong the leading cancer sites. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or combination therapies are common treatment modalities. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy cause significant morbidity and long-term irreversible sequelae in the oral cavity. Surgical resection can be mutilating, disfiguring, and deeply affect self-image. Orofacial defects have unique limitations and challenges for both the surgeon and the maxillofacial prosthodontist. Microvascular surgical techniques and the use of osseointegrated implants improve the rehabiliation potentila of the various head and neck defects. This article reviews current treatment modalities of tumor therapy, their consequences, and restoration of maxillofacial defects.