title: Expanding fields of genetically altered cells in head and neck squamous carcinogenesis.
abstract: Recent molecular pathology studies in head and neck cancer support a carcinogenesis model in which the development of a field with genetically altered cells plays a central role. This preneoplastic field is of monoclonal origin and expands non-invasively superseding normal epithelium. Clonal divergence and selection within the field ultimately leads to the development of cancer. These fields can be large (over 7 cm diameter) and are often not visible for the surgeon explaining that they may remain after resection of the primary tumor. When not removed, a field is an important risk factor for secondary cancer.
authors.affiliation: Section Tumorbiology, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. bjm.braakhuis@vumc.nl
authors.forename: Boudewijn J M
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Braakhuis
authors.forename: C René
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Leemans
authors.forename: Ruud H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Brakenhoff
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000235:genetics*; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology*