[Assurance-associated aspects of head and neck carcinomas: disposition, exposition, prognosis]. / Versicherungsrelevante Aspekte bei Karzinomen der Kopf-hals-Region: Disposition, Exposition, Prognose.

After a brief introduction into the basics of head and neck oncology, the current review focusses on potential predictive markers and predisposing factors for these kinds of cancers. Furthermore, prognosis and degree of disability of cancer patients are commented on. With a survival rate of approximately 50%, the prognosis of head and neck carcinomas seems rather good, but it is in fact unsatisfactory. Since the treatment of advanced head and neck cancers is often accompanied by profound functional (articulation, phonation, respiration, and deglutition) and aesthetic impairment, it repeatedly leads to a high degree of disability and occupational invalidity. Furthermore, special limitations of head and neck cancer patients are discussed as well as the consequences they may have on the qualification for certain jobs.