Future Developments in Head and Neck Cancer Therapy
Peter Evans, Paul Q. Montgomery, Patrick J. Gullane in Principles and Practice of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, 2003
The field of head and neck surgery has undergone remarkable changes over the last 20 years. There have been refinements in surgical approaches to malignant cervical adenopathy, laryngeal cancer and skull-base malignancy. With the advent and popularization of free tissue transfer, head and neck reconstruction has been revolutionized. Along with progress in surgical techniques have come advances in imaging, radiotherapy and molecular biology. Despite this progress, cancer recurrence and mortality rates for many sites in the head and neck remain unchanged. The head and neck continues to be a challenging area to reconstruct with functional outcomes remaining poor in many situations. The future remains full of challenge and promise for both the patients and professionals struggling with cancer of the head and neck.
Introductory Aspects of Head and Neck Cancers
Loredana G. Marcu, Iuliana Toma-Dasu, Alexandru Dasu, Claes Mercke in Radiotherapy and Clinical Radiobiology of Head and Neck Cancer, 2018
Head and neck cancer is a heterogeneous group of tumours when considering histopathology, prognosis, and different incidence rates worldwide. They are most often squamous cell carcinomas and can arise from multiple anatomic subsites in the head and neck region. Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region is a heterogeneous group of malignant diseases. The volume where squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck arise is small. Tobacco and alcohol continue to remain two important risk factors for head and neck cancer with their carcinogenic risks summarised in several working group reports by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The other risk factors includes genetic predisposition, previous head and neck cancer, history of malignant diseases in the immediate family members, exposure to ionising radiation, nutritional disorders or habits, vitamin deficiencies, iron-deficiency anaemia, poor oral hygiene, chronic infections, and long use of badly fitting prostheses.
- Future Developments in Head and Neck Cancer Therapy
Peter Evans, Paul Q. Montgomery, Patrick J. Gullane in Principles and Practice of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, 2009
INTRODUCTION Recent scientific advances have provided a platform for better understanding the biology of head and neck tumors. We now have a clearer understanding of cancer growth, response to treatment, and patterns of spread. In addition, advanced surgical techniques and the availability of various reconstructive options have improved locoregional control, with parallel improvements in aesthetics and postoperative function. Quality of life is now rightly regarded as a major consideration in the decision process. Despite these advances, the survival of head and neck cancer patients has not significantly improved. The following chapter will provide insight into the major advances achieved so far and into future directions for head and neck cancer therapy and practice.
Effect of neck flexion angles on neck muscle activity among smartphone users with and without neck pain
Published in Ergonomics, 2019
Suwalee Namwongsa, Rungthip Puntumetakul, Manida Swangnetr Neubert, Rose Boucaut
This study examined the differences in neck muscle activity at various neck flexion angles in smartphone users with and without neck pain. Forty-four participants performed texting tasks for 1 min and 30 s. Neck muscle activity and pain in the neck were measured at different neck flexion angles. There was a difference in neck muscle activity for each of the neck flexion angles; the Cervical Erector Spinae (CES) muscle activity increased while the Upper Trapezius (UT) muscle activity decreased when at increased neck flexion angles. At neck flexion angle of 0°–15°, the activity of both CES and UT muscles were acceptably low. Smartphone users with neck pain had slightly higher muscle activity levels than smartphone users without neck pain. In conclusion, smartphone users should consider adopting neck flexion angles between 0 and 15 degrees during smartphone use as there is an association between this neck flexion angle range and reduced CES muscle activity. Practitioner summary: This study demonstrated that both smartphone users with and without neck pain should try to keep their neck flexion angle between 0° and 15° when using their smartphone. This would reduce neck muscle activity and the risk of developing neck disorders associated with smartphone use.
An immediate effect of axial neck rotation training with real time visual feedback using a smartphone inclinometer on improvement in axial neck rotation function
Published in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 2017
Kyue-nam Park, Oh-yun Kwon, Si-hyun Kim, In-cheol Jeon
ABSTRACT Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate effects of axial neck rotation training (Axi-NRT) with and without real-time visual feedback (VF) using a smartphone inclinometer on the range of motion (ROM) for axial neck rotation and the onset of compensatory neck lateral bending and extension during active neck rotation.Methods: Twenty participants with restricted ROM for neck rotation but no neck pain (21.1 ± 1.6 years and 8 males, 12 females) were recruited for Axi-NRT with VF, and twenty age- and gender-matched participants with restricted ROM for neck rotation were recruited for Axi-NRT without VF. Changes in ROM for neck rotation and the onset time of compensatory neck movement during active neck rotation were measured using an electromagnetic tracking system. Results: Axi-NRT with VF was more effective in increasing ROM for neck rotation and decreasing and delaying the onset of compensatory neck movements during active neck rotation compared with Axi-NRT without VF. Conclusions: Repeated Axi-NRT using VF is useful to educate participants in maintaining the axis of the cervical spine and to increase ROM for axial neck rotation with less compensatory neck motion in participants with a restricted range of neck rotations.
Do patients with chronic neck pain have distorted body image and tactile dysfunction?
Published in European Journal of Physiotherapy, 2017
Carlos Moreira, Ana Rita Bassi, Maria Piedade Brandão, Anabela G. Silva
Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare perceived neck image and tactile acuity between individuals with and without chronic idiopathic neck pain. Materials and methods: Perceived neck image was assessed in seven participants with chronic idiopathic neck pain and seven asymptomatic participants through participants’ drawings. Tactile perception threshold (TPT) and two-point discrimination threshold (TPD) were also assessed using Semmes–Weinstein filaments and a mechanical calliper, respectively. Results: Participants with neck pain tended to draw their neck/shoulders less symmetrically, shorter or larger than asymptomatic participants. Despite an increased overall mean for TPD in the neck pain group, no statistically significant differences were found between groups for tactile acuity (TPD: neck pain = 21.29 ± 14.21 mm, asymptomatic = 16.43 ± 16.84 mm, p > .05; TPD: neck pain = 0.17 ± 0.08 g, asymptomatic = 0.23 ± 0.17 g, p > .05). Conclusions: The results suggest that patients with idiopathic neck pain might have a distorted image of their neck. These findings need to be further investigated in future studies with larger sample sizes.
Related Knowledge Centers
- Cervix
- Vertebral Column
- Trunk
- Head