Dysfunctions of the locomotor system. Physiotherapy in head and neck cancer
From the introduction
The recent years have seen a steady growth in the incidence of head and neck cancers both in Poland and worldwide.Those malignancies are difficult to treat and rehabilitate. The anatomical location of head and neck tumours implies specific treatment methods. Modern standards allow personalisation of the treatment process in head and neck cancer, meaning a specific treatment plan for each patient. Regardless of the type of therapy used ? be it surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, sole or in a combined multimodal therapy ? patients often experience a substantial deterioration in the quality of life. Breathing pattern, swallowing, communication are strongly restricted. The role of modern physical therapy is to restore the basic physiological functions. As of late, there have been no guidelines regarding rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients. It is only in the recent years, due to the development of head and neck surgery, that attempts have been made to create rehabilitation programmes for this anatomical region. This monograph is a valuable material in this respect. The experiences of specialists developing methods of H&N cancer rehabilitation cannot be overestimated. I believe this publication will be very well received by readers. Let me express my great appreciation to all those who have contributed to the development of this work.
Prof. dr hab. med. Wojciech Golusiński
President of the Polish Study Group of Head and Neck Cancer