INTRODUCTION

This study analyzed oncologic patient management from initial tumor diagnosis to tumor follow-up in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) in Germany.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A dynamic online questionnaire with a total of 44 questions was used to generate general and specific data regarding oncologic patient management with head and neck malignancies, supportive care, and (pre-) rehabilitation from initial tumor diagnosis to tumor follow-up and head and neck cancer center (HNCC) structures in OMFS in Germany. The questionnaire was sent to 81 OMFS departments affiliated with the German-Austrian-Swiss Working Group for Tumors of the Jaw and Facial Region (DÖSAK) and the German Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (DGMKG). Data analysis was conducted descriptively.

RESULTS

Forty-eight OMFS departments participated (response rate 59.26%), of which 36/48 (75%) were certified HNCC. 28/34 (82.4%) reported subjective improvements in oncologic care, most often interdisciplinary collaboration (21/33, 63.64%) and clinic structure changes (21/34, 61.76%). Nearly all OMFS departments present patients in multidisciplinary tumor boards (45/46, 97.83%) and aim for osseous reconstruction post-tumor resection (43/44, 97.73%). Significant discrepancies regarding the frequency of masticatory-functional dental rehabilitation following osseous reconstruction were observed. Before oncologic therapy, patients are offered various supportive services, mostly psychotherapy and psycho-oncological support (24/26, 92.31%). Post-therapy, speech therapy (43/43, 100%), physiotherapy (40/43, 93.02%), lymphatic drainage, and follow-up rehabilitation (39/43, 90.7%, respectively) are most often offered. 17/43 (39.53%) have oncological nursing staff. 36/40 (90%) manage patients and side effects during adjuvant therapy, while 5/41 (12.2%) provide proprietary palliative care. 36/41 (87.8%) offer counseling to patients and families.

CONCLUSION

Oncologic patient care in OMFS is highly standardized and potentially attributable to many certified HNCCs in Germany. Certain treatment aspects are handled differently, possibly due to institution-specific reasons.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The high homogeneity in treatment protocols reflects the widespread high and comparable treatment quality of head and neck malignancies in OMFS in Germany.