title: Characterization of the oropharynx: anatomy, histology, immunology, squamous cell carcinoma and surgical resection.
abstract: Understanding the structure and function of the oropharynx is paramount for providing excellent patient care. In clinical oncology, the oropharynx is generally divided into four distinct components: (i) the base of the tongue; (ii) the soft palate; (iii) the palatine tonsillar fossa; and (iv) the pharyngeal wall. The oropharyngeal mucosa is distinct from other mucosal surfaces in the body, as it is composed of a reticulated epithelium with a discontinuous basement membrane, also known as lymphoepithelium. This review describes the anatomy, histology, immunology and surgical resection of the oropharynx as they relate to oncological care.
authors.affiliation: Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Croix C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Fossum
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Ashish V
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Chintakuntlawar
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Daniel L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Price
authors.affiliation: Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Joaquin J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Garcia
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery; D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
keywords: base of tongue; lymphoepithelium; oropharynx; squamous cell carcinoma; tonsil; transoral laser microsurgery (TLM); transoral robotic surgery (TORS)