A Primer for Pediatric Plastic Surgeons on Pediatric Head and Neck Malignancies

Pediatric head and neck cancer management is complex and often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Management goals aim to deliver a multimodal treatment approach that integrates surgery with concurrent medical management through adjuvant and/or neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Patients in remission should be monitored closely for recurrence or long-term treatment complications. Harmonizing a multidisciplinary approach between pediatric oncologists, hematologists, radiologists, pathologists, and surgeons is a priority. This review discusses advances in management strategies used for common pediatric head and neck malignancies, with a focus on surgical and medical techniques as well as treatment complications that can arise.