Emergence of the “New” Head and Neck Cancer

What is it about?

Oropharyngeal cancer is a significant concern due to the increasing incidence and specific carcinogenesis including human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV associated with oropharyngeal cancer differs considerably from oropharyngeal cancer which has typically been associated with risk factors such as smoking and alcohol use. This special issue is divided into two sections. The first section provides an overview of oropharyngeal cancer through a close examination of epidemiology, pathology and imaging procedures. The second section presents a detailed examination of the current treatment procedures commonly employed. The discussion of treatment underscores the marked improvement in treatment procedures in recent years. Progressive treatment procedures include: 1) transoral resection, 2) transoral robotic surgery, 3) transcervical approach, and 4) chemoradiation. This special issue describes and evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of each of these treatments in detail.

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Why is it important?

Oropharyngeal cancer is a significant concern due to the increasing incidence and specific carcinogenesis including human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV associated with oropharyngeal cancer differs considerably from oropharyngeal cancer which has typically been associated with risk factors such as smoking and alcohol use. The optimal treatment is different from previous treatments.

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