Abstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging tumor therapy method in recent years. After the photosensitizer injected into the body, it specifically accumulates in the tumor tissue and then illuminate the tumor site with a specific wavelength of light, causing the photodynamic reaction、tumor cell organelle damage、tumor cell apoptosis and necrosis and tumor immunity to kill the malignancy. Recently, as the key factors of photodynamic therapy, new photosensitizer and light source have been continuously explored and applied in clinical practice. There are more clinical studies on photodynamic therapy for malignant tumors, especially head and neck malignancies. With the introduction of new photosensitizers such as hypericin and associated light sources and the combination of photodynamic techniques with other treatments, the main observation indicator of the effect of photodynamic therapy, "survival time", has been extended. The related adverse reactions such as solar dermatitis and drug allergic reaction have been reduced. In addition, its preservation of vital organ function integrity and cosmetic function is satisfactory. This article reviews the clinical application of PDT in head and neck malignant tumors in recent years. We focused on the advantages of good effect, preserving functional integrity of important organs, beauty and less side effects in photodynamic treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, sinus carcinoma, laryngeal cancer, oral cancer, ficial skin cancer and other common head and neck malignancies. It could better understand the development of photodynamic technology and express the need for better photosensitizer and light source and photodynamic therapy combined with other treatment methods.