[Rehabilitation of patients with head and neck tumors, with special attention to psychotherapy].

Few people are more severely handicapped than patient with facial deformities. The face forms a centre point of attention in human relationships with particular emphasis placed on cosmetic acceptance. Surgical ablation of head and neck cancer often creates significant functional and aesthetic problems. In addition to the numerous physiologic problems that can befall the patient, devastating changes in appearance may occur with serious psychologic sequel. Our purpose here is to discuss the numerous physiologic and psychological problems occurring after major ablative surgery of the head and neck. A team effort is essential to the effective treatment of those patients, including: surgeon, oncologist, radiotherapist, prosthodontist and last but not least psychologist, who has a main role in strengthening the patients and helping them to lead an acceptable quality of life.