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Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer pp 1–21Cite as

Classification, Clinical Features, and Molecular Genetic Models

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Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, HNSCC) is often considered to be a single disease based on the cell of origin (mucosal epithelium) and histologic features. However, distinctive phenotypic patterns and genotypic correlates increasingly suggest that it might be more accurately thought of as consisting of different entities. These observations have been evolving in the context of the more traditional paradigms of tumor classification based on well established parameters such as primary tumor anatomical site, stage, and histologic features. Taken together, clinicians seek to use new and traditional tumor features to categorize tumors, predict their potential clinical course, and select appropriate strategies for their detection and treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University 601N, Baltimore, MD, 21287

    Wayne M. Koch

  2. Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Indiara University, Indiara

    Melonie Nance

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  1. Wayne M. Koch
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  2. Melonie Nance
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Epidemiology 2101B McGavran-Greenberg Hall Gillings School of Global Public Health CB#7435, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599

    Andrew F. Olshan Ph.D. (Professor and Chair) (Professor and Chair)

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Koch, W.M., Nance, M. (2010). Classification, Clinical Features, and Molecular Genetic Models. In: Olshan, A.F. (eds) Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1472-9_1

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