Early Detection and Treatment of Head & Neck Cancers: Theoretical Background and Newly Emerging Research

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a heterogeneous group of cancers that, if combined, represent one of the most common cancer types. Patients with HNC suffer significant morbidity and mortality due to the importance of the structures involved. Over two-thirds of these patients are diagnosed at a late stage, leading to a poor prognosis. Therefore, advancements in early detection and treatment of HNC are crucial. This second volume provides an up-to-date overview of the theoretical background in the field of head and neck cancer (HNC) as well as of the emerging research that is impacting our understanding of this disease. The book begins with a comprehensive review of the epidemiology, etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and staging of HNC. Next, it covers the essentials of potentially malignant disorders of the oral cavity, an important variety of HNC. Subsequently, it covers the newly emerging research in the field of HNC. The overall goal is to shift towards precision medicine (discussed indetail in Volume I), which will bring individualized clinical benefit to patients with HNC.

This second volume of Early Detection and Treatment of Head & Neck Cancers concludes with the topic of chronic pain associated with HNC, including both the mechanisms of pain and the management strategies, and the emerging oral mucoadhesive drug delivery approach for HNC. All HNC surgeons, scientists, residents, and individuals whose lives have been touched by this disease, will recognize the impact pain has upon a patient’s health and his or her recovery trajectory.

Rami El Assal, DDS, FADI, is a Former Research Scientist (Academic Staff) at the Canary Center for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California. He completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Stanford University School of Medicine. Prior to Stanford, Dr. El Assal completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts as well as the Harvard-MIT Health Science and Technology Division. He received his DDS degree from Ajman University, School of Dentistry, Ajman, UAE. Dr. El Assal research achievements have been recognized by numerous entities such as the Center of Nanoscale Systems at Harvard University, Academy of Dentistry International, and International Academy of Dental-Facial Esthetics. He published over 40 peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, and abstracts, as well as 2 edited books.

Dyani Gaudilliere, DMD, MPH, is the Chief of the Section of Dental Medicine & Surgery and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery at Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California. She also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Diagnostic Sciences at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, San Francisco, California. Dr. Gaudilliere received her DMD from Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, and her MPH from University of California at Berkeley. In addition, she completed a General Practice Residency Program at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry. She is the leader of Stanford’s Dental Oncology clinical program, has many clinical teaching responsibilities, and has authored over 20 journal articles in the fields of immunology, oral surgical education, and implantology. 

Stephen T. Connelly, DDS, MD, PhD, FACS, isan Attending Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at the San Francisco Veteran Affairs Medical Center and an Associate Professor in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at University of California at San Francisco (UCSF)-School of Dentistry. He carries out a mixture of clinical and operating room procedures, including oral and head and neck cancer surgery, dentoalveolar surgery, bone grafting and implant procedures, and extensive temporomandibular joint surgery. In addition, he maintains a part-time private practice at Bay Area Oral and Facial Surgery in San Francisco. Dr. Connelly received his DDS Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, New York, and completed his Oral Maxillofacial Residency with an MD degree at the UCSF-School of Dentistry and School of Medicine. In addition, he also completed a PhD in Cranio-maxillofacial Sciences at the UCSF- School of Dentistry. He has received a number of honors and awards and is the author of 25 peer-reviewed publications and theeditor of 3 books.