Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common cancer in the world. Advances in treatment have improved quality of life, and there have been improvements in survival associated with human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated HNSCC. However, for typical HNSCCs associated with tobacco and alcohol use, survival rates have changed little in the last 20 years. The mortality rate remains high because of advanced and recurrent locoregional disease, as well as distant metastases. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment remains the key to improved patient survival. Better understanding of the molecular biology of early SCC is required to define relevant targets and to develop novel therapeutic approaches.
Here we illustrate the specific etiology of HNSCCs in a representative case.
