Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a heterogeneous group of malignant
neoplasms, and its classification is a challenge. Based on the primary site, most
literature comprehends five types of HNCs: laryngeal, pharyngeal, oral cavity, nasal
cavity, and salivary gland cancer. More than 90% of HCNs are of epithelial origin,
making squamous cell carcinoma the most common histological type. The prototypic
HNC is a moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma associated with tobacco
and alcohol consumption that affects older men more frequently. They are usually
treated in a similar fashion. Currently, the human papillomavirus epidemic and a shift
in tobacco consumption patterns are changing this trend. HNCs have a high rate of
genetic heterogeneity, and molecular profiling has gained importance in the
classification and future treatment of HNCs.
Keywords: HPV-positive, Laryngeal cancer, Molecular profile, Nasal cavity
cancer, Oral cavity cancer, Pharyngeal cancer, Salivary gland cancer, Squamous
cell carcinoma, Unknown primary.
