Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Care

Publication Date: December 19, 2019
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Recommendations

Surveillance for HNC recurrence

History and physical

It is recommended that primary care clinicians:
a) should receive guidance from the treating oncology team regarding the individualized follow up plan
b) should work with the treating oncology team to ensure that a detailed cancer-related history and physical examination be conducted
every 1 to 3 months for the first year after primary treatment, every 2 to 6 months in the second year, every 4 to 8 months in years 3 to 5, and annually after 5 years
c) should confirm continued follow-up with otolaryngologist or HNC specialist for HN-focused examination based on review of individualized plan with the treating team.
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Surveillance education

It is recommended that primary care clinicians:
a) should receive guidance from the treating oncology team regarding signs and symptoms of local and distant recurrences
b) assure that HNC survivors receive this information from their treating team

c) should refer HNC survivors to an HNC specialist if signs and symptoms of local or distant recurrences are present.
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Overview

Title

Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Care

Authoring Organization

American Society of Clinical Oncology