Insight into Classification and Risk Stratification of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Era of Emerging Biomarkers with Focus on Histopathologic Parameters

Abstract

Tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system is the cornerstone for treatment planning of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Many prognostic biomarkers have been introduced as modifiers to further improve the TNM classification of HNSCC. Here, we provide an overview on the use of the recent prognostic biomarkers, with a focus on histopathologic parameters, in improving the risk stratification of HNSCC and their application in the next generation of HNSCC staging systems.