Steve,
I have to disagree with you on this one. This was not my experience at all, nor would it have been acceptable to me. A multidisciplnary team is essential. I had every one of them except plastic surgery, opthomology, speech and swallowing therapy and nuerosurgery.

The following is from the TEAM1 page of the NCCN Oncology Practice Guidelines:

"Team Approach
Head and Neck Cancers

MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM
The management of patients with head and neck cancers is complex. All patients need access to the full range of specialists and support services for optimal treatment and follow-up. with expertise in the management of patients with head and neck cancer:

Head and neck surgery
Radiation oncology
Medical oncology
Plastic and reconstructive surgery
Specialized nursing care
Dentistry/prosthodontics
Physical medicine and
rehabilitation
Speech and swallowing therapy
Clinical Social work
Nutrition support
Pathology
Diagnostic radiology
Adjunctive services
Neurosurgery
Ophthalmology
Psychiatry
Addiction Services


SUPPORT AND SERVICES

Follow-up should be performed by a physician with expertise in the management and prevention of treatment sequelae. It should include a comprehensive head and neck exam. The management of head and neck cancer patients may involve the following:

Pain and symptom management
Nutritional support
Enteral feeding
-Dental care for RT effects
-Oral supplements
Xerostomia management
Smoking cessation
Tracheotomy care
Social work and Case management
Supportive Care"