Carcinoma of Unknown Primary: Diagnostics and the Potential of Transoral Surgery

Abstract

The topic of the unknown primary tumour in head and neck cancer (CUP) has been extensively studied. The increasing incidence of Human papillomavirus (HPV) related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) as well as the emerging role of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has led to revision and evolution of diagnostic and treatment paradigms. The concept of tongue base mucosectomy (TBM) has gained its place in the diagnostic pathway. The most recent considerations are described herein with regard to recent literature. An algorithm for patients with CUP is proposed with an emphasis on the role of transoral surgery.