Surveillance after treatment for head and neck cancer

Recent literature emphasizes intensive follow-up programs during 1-2 years, as well as patient education for self-observation of alarming symptoms. Prolonged surveillance programs after 2-3 years may not be effective in detecting asymptomatic recurrences. While personalized surveillance based on risk factors is suggested, a lack of strict evidence hampers stratification. Imaging may be of value in detecting early asymptomatic recurrences at least up to 2 years, but disagreement exists regarding its utility in improving survival.