French Society of ENT (SFORL) guidelines for care pathway organization in head and neck oncology (short version). Early management of head and neck cancer

• Published in: European annals of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck diseases Vol. 132; no. 4; pp. 205 - 208
• Main Authors: Cuny, F, Babin, E, Lacau-Saint-Guily, J, Baujat, B, Bensadoun, R, Bozec, A, Chevalier, D, Choussy, O, Deneuve, S, Fakhry, N, Guigay, J, Makeieff, M, Merol, J.-C, Mouawad, F, Pavillet, J, Rebiere, C, Righini, C, Sostras, M.-C, Tournaille, M, Vergez, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Masson SAS 01-09-2015
• Subjects: Critical Pathways; France; Head and neck cancer; Head and Neck Neoplasms - therapy; Humans; Imaging; Otolaryngology; Pain Management; Patient Care Team; Patient Education as Topic; Patient-Centered Care; Recurrence; Referral and Consultation; Screening; Second location; Time-to-Treatment; France; Multidisciplinary team meeting; Recurrence; INCa; World Health Organization; SFORL; Second location; ENT; Ear, Nose and Throat; French National Cancer Institute ( Institut National du Cancer); Screening; Body mass index; MDTM; Imaging; Head and neck cancer; French Society of ENT ( Société Française d’Oto-Rhino-Laryngologie); BMI; WHO
• ISSN: 1879-7296; 1879-730X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anorl.2015.06.007

Abstract Early management in oncology is based on coordination and high-quality exchange between the various health-care partners. The present guidelines are based on a literature search with levels of evidence. Treatment waiting time can be optimized by performing assessment as early as possible (Expert opinion), to limit the interval (ideally, less than 4 weeks) between first consultation and data collection. In the first specialist consultation, diagnostic work-up should be scheduled and the data required for management should be determined (Grade B). Work-up may be conducted on a day-care basis or with conventional admission (Expert opinion). The patient's medico-social context should be taken into account from the outset, with social work involvement whenever necessary (Expert opinion). Pain and nutritional management should be planned for (Grade A) and realistic therapeutic education be provided (Expert opinion). Community-hospital teamwork for supportive care should be optimized (Expert opinion). Management should be early and multidisciplinary, to shorten delay between diagnosis and treatment initiation.