[Prognostic role of the skeletal musculature in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma].

Sarcopenia is defined as loss of muscle mass and strength as well as decreased physical performance. The present work gives a systematic overview of the current literature about the prognostic role of sarcopenia in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Sarcopenia occurs in 42 % in HNSCC. Sarcopenia is associated with occurrence of postoperative complications. Also reduced muscle mass limits disease-free and overall survival. Therefore, analysis of the skeletal musculature on staging CT should be implemented into the clinical routine in patients with HNSCC.