title: Evaluation of head and neck cancer patients. A national survey.
abstract: A review of the recent literature of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery reveals minimal guidance as to the use of laboratory and radiographic studies in the initial evaluation and subsequent follow-up of patients with head and neck cancer. A national survey was prepared and was sent to 105 otolaryngology-head and neck surgery teaching departments with 53 institutions responding. This survey shows that a baseline of laboratory and radiographic studies are routinely ordered. Follow-up is monthly the first year and every other month the second year. Specialized laboratory tests and radiographic studies are ordered on a case-by-case basis and based on cost effectiveness, research orientation, available resources, and, most importantly, the patient's needs.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Wash.
authors: S W
authors: SW
authors: Swann
authors: D B
authors: DB
authors: Blakeslee
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000379:methods; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000175:diagnosis; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States