Epidemiologic trends in head and neck cancer and aids in diagnosis

Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2014 May;26(2):123-41. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2014.01.001.

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is the sixth most common cancer worldwide predominately associated with tobacco use. Changing cause and increased incidence in oropharyngeal carcinomas is associated with high-risk types of human papilloma virus and has an improved survival. Optical devices may augment visual oral examination; however, their lack of specificity still warrants tissue evaluation/biopsy. Histologic factors of oral carcinomas are critical for patient management and prognostic determination. Clinical biomarkers are still needed to improve early detection, predict malignant transformation, and optimize therapies.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Epidemiologic trends; Head and neck cancer; Squamous cell carcinomas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / epidemiology*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / etiology
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / epidemiology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / etiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Mouth Diseases / complications
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / epidemiology
  • Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / etiology
  • Papillomaviridae
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Risk Factors
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / complications

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor