Cellular Classification
Most head and neck cancers are of the squamous cell variety and may be preceded
by various precancerous lesions. Minor salivary gland tumors are not uncommon
in these sites. Specimens removed from the lesions may show the carcinomas to
be noninvasive, in which case the term carcinoma in situ is applied. An
invasive carcinoma will be either well-differentiated, moderately
well-differentiated, poorly differentiated or undifferentiated.
Tumor grading is recommended using Broder classification (Tumor Grade [G]):
- G1: well-differentiated.
- G2: moderately well-differentiated.
- G3: poorly-differentiated.
- G4: undifferentiated.[1]
No statistically significant correlation between degree of differentiation and
the biologic behavior of the cancer exists; however, vascular invasion is a
negative prognostic factor.[2]
Other tumors of glandular epithelium, odontogenic apparatus, lymphoid tissue,
soft tissue, and bone and cartilage origin require special consideration and
are not included in this section of PDQ. Reference to the World Health
Organization nomenclature is recommended.
The term leukoplakia should be used only as a clinically descriptive term
meaning that the observer sees a white patch that does not rub off, the
significance of which depends on the histologic findings. Leukoplakia can
range from hyperkeratosis to an actual early invasive carcinoma or may only
represent a fungal infection, lichen planus, or other benign oral disease.
References
-
Bansberg SF, Olsen KD, Gaffey TA: High-grade carcinoma of the oral cavity. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 100 (1): 41-8, 1989.
[PUBMED Abstract]
-
Close LG, Brown PM, Vuitch MF, et al.: Microvascular invasion and survival in cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 115 (11): 1304-9, 1989.
[PUBMED Abstract]
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