Cancer types · Other solid tumours
Head & Neck Cancers
Head and neck cancers include cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, sinuses and salivary glands. Oral cancers are among the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men in India and are strongly linked to tobacco use, including smokeless tobacco and areca nut.
Molecular testing plays a narrower role than in some other cancers. HPV status in oropharyngeal cancer, Epstein–Barr virus in nasopharyngeal cancer and PD-L1 in advanced disease are the most commonly discussed markers.
Clinical and molecular questions that often arise
- What is the exact site and stage, and is HPV or EBV relevant?
- In recurrent or metastatic disease, what does the PD-L1 result show?
- For salivary gland cancers, are HER2, androgen receptor or NTRK results relevant?
- How can treatment preserve function such as speech and swallowing?
Information that may be part of an individual assessment
- Clinical examination, endoscopy and biopsy.
- p16 immunohistochemistry or HPV testing in oropharyngeal cancer.
- Imaging such as CT, MRI or PET-CT.
- PD-L1 testing in advanced disease; broader profiling in selected cases.
Which investigations are appropriate is decided by the treating team for each person.
Molecular profiling and biomarker interpretation
Depending on the setting, molecular and biomarker questions in head & neck cancers may involve:
- HPV status (p16) in oropharyngeal cancer
- EBV in nasopharyngeal cancer
- PD-L1 combined positive score
- HER2, androgen receptor and NTRK fusions in some salivary gland cancers
- HRAS and other alterations (research context)
Biomarkers, panels and available tests vary by subtype, disease setting, assay and guideline version. A detected alteration is not automatically actionable.
How KPCIRC pathways may apply
POAS
POAS may help where an advanced head and neck cancer has been profiled and the clinician wants evidence and trial questions organised, recognising that targetable alterations are less common than in some other cancers.
Molecular Tumour Board
MTB discussion may be valuable because care often involves surgery, radiotherapy, medical oncology and supportive specialties together.
Second opinion and progression review
A second opinion may help when weighing surgical and non-surgical approaches. Progression review can organise recurrence findings.
Hereditary risk and screening
Inherited predisposition is uncommon. Prevention and early detection discussions focus on tobacco, areca nut and alcohol, and on examining persistent mouth ulcers or patches promptly.
How to access the relevant pathway
Patients and families
- Talk to your treating oncologist about whether an additional review may help.
- Request a consultation and tell us which question you want answered.
- Share records only when asked, through the secure route.
Referring doctors
- Define the clinical question and the pathway: POAS, MTB, second opinion or progression review.
- Start a case enquiry without patient identifiers.
- Scope, fees and timing are confirmed before any review proceeds.
Questions and limitations
Is HPV-related throat cancer different?
HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer is recognised as a distinct group with different features. Your treating team interprets HPV status with other information.
Can a second opinion consider function, not only the cancer?
Yes. Questions about speech, swallowing and quality of life can be part of the clinical question for review.
Does this page apply to my situation?
This page is educational. It explains common questions but cannot account for individual circumstances. Your treating clinician is best placed to interpret your reports and plan your care.
Educational content reviewed against the KPCIRC service scope. It is not a diagnosis, a treatment recommendation or a statement that a specialist or service is available for this cancer type.