The role of molecular strategies in the evaluation of surgical margins in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

The recurrence of a tumour at the resection margins in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has profound implications on the morbidity and mortality of the patient. At present HNSCC does not undergo any form of molecular analysis to aid treatment strategy and prognosticate for those individuals at higher risk of recurrence. This article aims to review current research into molecular strategies for tumour evaluation, highlighting conflicting evidence and possible novel concepts for further exploration.