The specialty of plastic surgery, key element in the approach and treatment of head and neck tumors

A day of training for resident doctors brought together leading experts involved in this type of cancer in Oviedo

– there are several specialties involved in this type of tumors from Otolaryngology, passing through neurosurgery, radiotherapy and medical oncology

-defects generated by these pathologies, both aesthetic and functional, tend to be significant

-the introduction of reconstructive microsurgery has allowed to correct damage immediately after tumor ablation, in one intervention, until few years ago, something unthinkable

Oviedo, April 2012.- in Spain, about 37,000 people suffering from head and neck cancer. Each year occur, approximately 12,000 new cases that, in the majority of occasions, occurs by tumors in glands salivary, lips, larynx or nasal cavity.

The defects generated by these pathologies, both aesthetic and functional, are often significant. It is here where the plastic surgeon plays an important role, and where the specialty of plastic surgery becomes a key element. Are several specialists involved in the treatment of head and neck cancer, since the service of Otolaryngology, neurosurgery, radiotherapy and medical oncology-via ”, explains Dr. Daniel Camporro, Chief of the service of surgery plastic of the Hospital Universitario Central Asturias (HUCA).

The aftermath after total or partial removal of these tumors, depending on the affected area, can be amputation of the pinna, loss of the eyeball, alterations of speech, swallowing, facial asymmetry, oral incontinence, or speaks unintelligible, among others.

The role of the microsurgery

Surgical techniques in this field have come a long way ”, explains Dr. Camporro. In particular, the introduction of reconstructive microsurgery has allowed to correct damage immediately after tumor ablation, in one intervention, until few years ago, something unthinkable ”, adds.

Also these procedures enable you to resect tumors in the region of the skull base, which previously deemed inoperable without the use of free flaps ”, points the doctor.

Besides the aesthetic aspect, plastic surgery can help improve other functions affected by cancer, as they are:

-area of the skull: reconstruction of defects in the cranial vault, the scalp, restoration of the front of the support of the brain, as well as coverage of the brain and meninges.

-Area of the middle third: reconstruction of the flying buttresses bone and maxilla, total reconstruction of the nose and the palate.

-Area of the lower third: reconstruction of the jaw, tongue and the floor of the mouth.

-Area of the pharynx: reconstruction of the faringostomas and defects of the functional area of the neck, among others.

Formation of the future plastic surgeons

From the educational foundation of the Spanish society of plastic surgery, reconstructive and aesthetic (SECPRE) in his eagerness to the training of its members carried out a day of training, focused on resident doctors, entitled ‘ head and neck cancer: Reconstructive aspects and multidisciplinary collaboration ’, and coordinated by Dr. Daniel Camporro.

Plastic surgeons in training must know that, in the approach and treatment of head and neck cancer, our specialty has much to contribute ”, explains this specialist. have thus focused the course by anatomical regions, analyzing the needs posed by postoncológicos defects, as well as the best options for your repair. in addition, will address how to collaborate with other specialists ”, concludes.