Royal Society of Medicine Surgical Innovation Day Adrian Tanner Prize Winner 2019: Multidisciplinary care and surgical innovation for the benefit of the patient with head and neck cancer of unknown primary. Issue 7 (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mistry, Rakesh; Walker, Abigail; Walker, Nathan; Ofo, Enyinnaya
• Is Part Of: JRSM open. Volume 11:Issue 7(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: surgical innovation -- multidisciplinary team -- head and neck cancer -- transoral robotic surgery -- human papilloma virus -- ear nose and throat surgery; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1177/2054270420921066
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2054-2704

Abstract

Head and neck carcinoma of unknown primary accounts for approximately 1–5% of all head and neck cancers and presents a genuine diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma. Despite advanced investigations, the primary tumour location remains unknown in up to 40% of these cases. Transoral robotic surgery presents a viable diagnostic and therapeutic option in these patients. This surgical innovation alongside advances in the understanding of head and neck cancer biology means that a multidisciplinary approach in the management of these complex patients is of utmost importance to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.