[Head and neck neoplasms and palliative care, symptoms and quality of life: literature review.].

Head-neck neoplasms are the fifth most common cancer. Head-neck patients are particularly exposed to quality of life impairment due to the central anatomical-functional role of this region in primary functions such as breathing, swallowing and phonation. Many patients are already at an advanced stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis and their prognosis remains unfavourable despite new treatment options.