Key Points The oropharynx is a common site for the presentation of upper aerodigestive tract malignancies, more than 90% of which are histopathologically squamous cell carcinoma. A steadily progressive epidemic of human papillomavirus–associated oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma marks current head…
Key Points A large number of different tumors can arise in the nasopharynx. Juvenile angiofibroma (JNA) is the most common benign tumor in the male adolescent, and tumor can extend into the paranasal sinuses, infratemporal fossa, and skull base as…
Key Points Paranasal sinus malignancies present insidiously and have poor survival outcomes due in part to advanced stage at initial diagnosis. Substantial heterogeneity in histology and corresponding biologic aggressiveness is encountered, with squamous cell carcinoma and rhabdomyosarcoma being the most…
Key Points Dentoalveolar evaluations should be accomplished prior to radiation therapy (RT) in the interest of establishing lifelong prognoses for those teeth to be included in potential radiation fields. Teeth with poor prognoses should be extracted before RT, preferably at…
Key Points The most common causes of mandibular defects requiring reconstruction are malignancy, benign tumors, trauma, infection, and osteoradionecrosis. The goals of mandibular reconstruction are to (1) maintain oral competency, (2) maintain occlusal relationships of remaining teeth, (3) maintain the…
Key Points Early detection of oral cancer directly results in improved survival after treatment. Tobacco use and habitual alcohol consumption synergistically increase the risk of developing oral carcinoma. For most presentations of cancer of the oral cavity, the risk of…
Key Points Benign neoplasms of the oral cavity are typically best treated with complete surgical excision. Generally, recurrence is rare, as is malignant transformation. Treatment for tumor-like lesions involves either conservative medical management or surgical excision, depending on the particular…
Key Points Temporomandibular disorders is a collective term that describes intracapsular and muscular disorders and myofascial pain dysfunction. The general complaints of temporomandibular disorders include facial pain, earache, and headache. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a diarthrotic joint, and each…
Key Points Odontogenesis Portions of the enamel organ Odontogenic cysts Nomenclature and other cysts of the oral region Orthokeratinizing odontogenic cyst (keratinizing odontogenic cyst), separation from keratocystic odontogenic tumor (odontogenic keratocyst) Odontogenic cyst of undetermined origin definition and discontinued use…
Key Points Leukoplakia carries a small but significant risk of malignant transformation. The proliferative verrucous form has a far greater incidence of recurrence, multifocality, and absence of the usual risk factors and transformation rates of typical leukoplakia. At the moment,…