Due to the anatomical and functional complexity of the region, craniofacial tumor removal requires some of the most challenging surgical approaches, often complemented with advanced chemo-radiotherapy techniques. However, these modern therapies often lead to sequelae that can drastically reduce the quality of life for the surviving patients. Recent advances in the field of regenerative medicine opened new avenues for craniofacial reconstruction following head and neck cancer treatment. One of the most promising recent strategies relies on the use of autologous fat transplant. In this mini review, we briefly present some of the fat’s biological properties that make it an ideal tissue for craniofacial reconstruction following cancer treatment. We then outline the recent advances that led to a better understanding of the detailed anatomy of the craniofacial fat depots. Furthermore, we provide a succinct review of the methods used for fat harvesting, processing and engrafting in the craniofacial area after head and neck tumor removal, discussing their main applications, advantages and limitations.

The retromolar-oropharynx junction cancer is a rare malignancy situated at the border between the oral cavity and the oropharynx. There is an important number of factors involved in the ethiology, pathogenesis and evolution of patients with this kind of lesions. We performed a prospective study involving 50 patients with this type of cancer, hospitalized between 2013-2015 in the Otorhinolaryngology and Maxillofacial Departments of the "Sf. Spiridon" Emergency Hospital, Iasi, Romania, to identify the environmental and biologic factors that may be involved in the damaged tissues. The purpose of our study is to appraise and validate the significance of the risk factors involved in the occurrence of deglutition and swallowing troubles, to achieve a treatment protocol for this kind of patients.

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