Hanyang Med Rev HMR Hanyang Medical Reviews 1738-429X 2234-4446 Hanyang University School of Medicine 10.7599/hmr.2009.29.3.238 Review Article Optimal Surgical Management of Oropharyngeal Cancer Jung Kwang-Yoon M.D. Ph.D. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. Corresponding author (kyjung@kumc.or.kr) 08 2009 31 08 2009 29 3 238 244 01 06 2009 10 08 2009 © 2009 Hanyang University College of Medicine 2009 This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

The objectives of treating oropharyngeal cancer are complete removal of tumor, restoration of function and aesthetics, and such treatments require adequate exposure for direct visual and bimanual examination. It presents challenges for the head and neck oncologist. A thorough evaluation is necessary to stage these tumors appropriately. Surgical treatment requires addressing the primary tumor and also neck disease, reconstructive techniques, and associated morbidities. A multidisciplinary approach helps balance the tumor stage, patient's comorbidities, functional outcome, and patient's wishes, thereby maximizing patient outcomes.

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