The changing role of surgery in the multidisciplinary management of tumors of the head and neck

Surgery has the longest history in the management of deformities, diseases and disorders in the head and neck region. The foundations for the specialty of head and neck surgery were laid by pioneering surgeons from various disciplines, including reconstructive surgery, laryngology, general surgery, endocrine surgery, oral surgery, and other allied specialties. In this review, we will discuss historical landmarks over the course of the past several centuries, followed by the evolution of surgical techniques from various surgical specialties in the past century that have defined head and neck surgery as a subspecialty and improved the safety and efficacy of surgery in the head and neck. Finally, this review will discuss the incorporation of various non-surgical disciplines in the development of modern-day multidisciplinary treatment programs for various tumors in the head and neck to improve cure rates, prolong disease-free survival, and offer better quality of life.