HN-CLEAR: Head and Neck Consensus Language for Ease and Reproducibility, a Multidisciplinary Consensus Mechanism for Head and Neck Pathology

Excerpt

The head and neck region harbors a diverse range of tissue types and pathologies in close anatomical proximity. It also includes some of the most common human malignancies such as squamous cell carcinoma of the skin and aerodigestive tract while also including infections, inflammatory disorders, and many rare entities such as salivary gland and odontogenic neoplasms. The head and neck brings together pathologists with diverse training and sub-specialty backgrounds including head and neck, maxillofacial, endocrine pathology, dermatopathology, cytopathology, and other sub-specialists as well as general surgical pathologists. The broad range of diagnostic terminologies and prognostic issues that influence patient management in head and neck pathology are further confounded by overlapping and confusing terminology and lack of robust evidence in many areas. Uniform and evidence-based diagnostic and prognostic terminologies are needed to inform the treatment of patients and support the design of clinical trials, epidemiological and fundamental research, cancer registries for education and preventive strategies, and assist policy makers in the allocation of health care resources. …