Neoplasms of the Oral Cavity and Oropharynx

Abstract

Oral and oropharyngeal cancers (OPC) are a major global health concern traditionally caused by tobacco and alcohol abuse. The last decade has revealed the emerging role of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) as a major etiological factor for oropharyngeal cancer predominantly in the developed world. Cancers affecting both these subsites are distinct entities. Changes have been incorporated in the recent staging system with recognition of the prognostic importance of depth of invasion (DOI) and extranodal extension (ENE) for oral cancers as well as the favourable biology of HPV-related cancers necessitating a separate staging system and attempts at deintensification of treatment. Oral cancers are predominantly treated by primary surgery and oropharyngeal cancers with non-surgical approaches. The advent of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has resulted in its exploration of its role for select oropharyngeal cancers. There has been an emergence of recent new data which has resulted in changes in traditional management protocols of these cancers.