Biopsy in Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma biopsy is a fundamental step in the diagnosis; therefore, it is relevant to know its different types. Currently, four types of biopsy are recognized for this type of carci-noma, each of which has specific indications: incisional biopsy, excisional biopsy, fine needle aspiration (FNA), and liquid biopsy. The most frequent and recommended procedure is incisional biopsy, because of its speed and low associated morbidity. Both excisional biopsy and FNA are reserved for cases of cervical metastasis of unknown primary depending on the stage of analysis of the particular patient. Finally, there is a strong development in liquid biopsy, especially through the study of the ctHPV-DNA biomarker, which is a sensitive and specific marker for this type of carcinoma, and may change the diagnostic paradigm in the near future.