The role of botulinum toxin in the management of head and neck cancer patients

Abstract

Purpose of review: In this review article different relevant applications of botulinum toxin type A are demonstrated in patients with head and neck cancer.

Recent findings: Patients with head and neck cancers of different etiologies often suffer from disorders concerning their musculature (for example, synkinesis in mimic muscles) or gland secretion in the head and neck region. This leads to many problems and reduces their quality of life. The application of botulinum toxin type A can improve movement disorders like synkinesis following reconstructive surgery in patients with cancers of the parotid gland, spasms of the pharyngo-esophageal musculature following laryngectomies and disorders of the autonomous nerve system like hypersalivation, hyperlacrimation and pathological sweating.

Summary: The application of botulinum toxin type A is a helpful and minimally invasive treatment option in different functional disorders improving the quality of life in patients with head and neck cancers of different etiologies. Side effects are rare.