Head and Neck Cancer

This consensus document is not a rigid constraint on clinical practice, but a concept of good practice against which the needs of the individual patient should be considered. It therefore remains the responsibility of the individual clinician to interpret the application of the Clinical Management Pathway (CMP), taking into account local service constraints and the needs and wishes of the patient. It is not intended that these consensus documents are applied as rigid clinical protocols.

The CMP begins with initial evaluation (diagnosis and staging) to definitive oncology treatment and supportive care, and includes follow-up. 

The pathway from primary care to diagnosis is covered in the Optimal Head and Neck Cancer Diagnostic Pathway, and in the Scottish Cancer Referral Guidelines.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is defined here as squamous cell cancer (SCC) of the larynx, oral cavity, hypopharynx, oropharynx (p16 positive and negative separately), nasopharynx, as well as cancer in the sinonasal region, and salivary glands. Squamous cell cancer of unknown primary of the head and neck is also included.

TNM denotes clinical and radiological staging unless otherwise stated.