| Autor: |
Prgomet D; Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.; School of Medicine, Zagreb University, Croatia., Bišof V; School of Medicine, Zagreb University, Croatia.; Department of Oncology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia., Prstačić R; Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.; School of Medicine, Zagreb University, Croatia., Curić Radivojević R; Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, University Hospital., Brajković L; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Croatian Studies, Zagreb, Croatia., Šimić I; Department of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.; Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, Zagreb University, Croatia. |
| Abstrakt: |
Head and neck cancers are associated with significant morbidity and mortality despite advancements in treatment in recent decades. A multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of these diseases is thus of essential importance and is becoming the gold standard. Head and neck tumors also endanger relevant structures of the upper aerodigestive tracts, including bodily functions such as voice, speech, swallowing, and breathing. Damage to these functions can significantly influence quality of life. Thus, our study examined not only the roles of head and neck surgeons, oncologists and radiotherapists, but also the importance of the participation of different scientific professions such as anesthesiologists, psychologists, nutritionists, stomatologists, and speech therapists in the work of a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Their participation results in a significant improvement of patient quality of life. We also present our experiences in the organization and work of the MDT as part of the Center for Head and Neck Tumors of the Zagreb Clinical Hospital Center. |
