Evaluation of Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A National Survey

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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 caseby-case basis and based on cost effectiveness, research orientation, available resources, and, most importantly, the patient's needs. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1988;114:775-778)