[Diagnosis, treatment and medical evaluation of head and neck tumors in aircrew].

Objective: To sum up the experiences of diagnosis, treatment and medical evaluation of head and neck tumors in aircrew.

Method: Sixty-seven cases of pilot patients with head and neck tumors in our hospital since September in 1979 to July in 2009 were retrospective analyzed in the study.

Result: Among 44 aircrew with benign head and neck tumors there were 37 cases continued their flying jobs and 7 cases were permanently grounded; whereas in 23 aircrew with malignant tumors there were 6 cases qualified for flight and 17 patients unqualified.

Conclusion: Benign or malignant of the head and neck neoplasm in the pilots are not the exclusive basis for their medical assessment. Tumor nature, location, efficacy of treatment and the impact on the function of their body should be considered as making the flight medical evaluation for the aircrew with head and neck tumors. Early diagnosis and treatment of head and neck tumors in aircrew are very important for reducing the rate of grounded.