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

Pediatric head and neck malignancies require a tailored, multidisciplinary management approach that considers the unique biological, developmental, and long-term implications in this vulnerable population. This comprehensive review provides a disease-specific overview of the most common pediatric head and neck cancers. Current evidence-based surgical and nonsurgical treatment strategies are summarized, and recent advancements in diagnostic imaging, minimally invasive techniques, and adjuvant therapies are discussed for each cancer type commonly incurred within the pediatric population. The integration of multi-agent chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapeutic modalities with precise surgical intervention has reshaped treatment paradigms and led to improved survival outcomes while minimizing long-term patient morbidity. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early diagnosis, prompt initiation of treatment, and vigilant long-term follow-up to monitor patients for both recurrence and treatment-related complications. Ultimately, this review serves as a practical guide to clinicians, reinforcing the critical role of a coordinated, interdisciplinary team-including pediatric oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and allied specialists-in optimizing care and enhancing quality of life for children with head and neck malignancies.