HPV is a growing epidemic in head and neck cancer and specialists working with these diseases are provided information on shifting trends in HPV in head and neck cancers along with challenges and controversies in treating this disease. With this virus related cancer, there is a different approach to managing this patient population. Novel therapeutic treatments are actively being developed for this type of head and neck cancer. Topics include: Epidemioloygy of HPV-head and neck cancer; Clinical detection of HPV; Clinical evaluation and disease patterns of HPV-related head and neck cancers; Impact of HPV-related head and neck cancer in clinical trials; Molecular biology of HPV and head and neck cancer and targeted therapies; Transoral robotic surgery: new surgical techniques for oropharyngeal cancers; Economic impact of HPV-related cancers; Rehabilitation needs of oropharyngeal cancer patients; Psychosocial care needs of HPV-head and neck cancer patients; and a Multi-disciplinary approach to head and neck cancers.

While cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx were overwhelming found in smokers and drinkers, a dramatic shift is occurring with a dramatic rise in the incidence of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers while oral cavity cancers and HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancers appear to be declining in incidence, reflecting the reduction in cigarette smoking. These trends also have implications for how Otolaryngologists prevent, diagnose, workup, treat, and follow these patients. The focus of information in this issue is on oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer and the implications of the HPV epidemic on this disease. Amongst the medical community during this period of trying to better grasp the association of HPV with oropharyngeal cancers, there are misconceptions and a lack of knowledge of these important shifts which are addressed by Guest Editors Jeffrey Myers and Erich Sturgis of the University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Topics include: Epidemiology- Control of a tobacco epidemic? But emergence of a HPV epidemic?; Oral cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer Genomics; Why Otolaryngologists need to be aware of Fanconi anemia; Impact on HPV on Orpharyngeal Cancer Biology and Response to Therapy-Implications for Treatment; Oral premalignancy- The roles of early detection and chemoprevention; Evaluation and staging- Limitations despite technological breakthroughs; 7) Surgical treatment innovations; Radiotherapy- The “Particle-rs of energy, dose, and delivery method; Systemic Treatment- Its role before, during, and after definitive treatment; How to maximize functional assessment/rehabilitation; Standardizing treatment for Cancers – An approach to cancer care or crisis?; Survivorship in Oral Cancer- Competing mortalities, morbidities, and second malignancies.

This issue of Otolaryngologic Clinics, guest edited by Drs. Cecelia E. Schmalbach and Kelly M. Malloy, is dedicated to Head and Neck Cutaneous Cancer. This issue is one of six selected each year by the series Consulting Editor, Dr. Sujana S. Chandrasekhar. Cutaneous cancer rates are growing at epidemic proportions and consequently lead to a significant health care burden. This issue opens with an overview of the related biology, epidemiology, and preventative measures. A contemporary review of cutaneous cancer management will be provided to include the roles of sentinel node biopsy, surgery, radiation therapy, and systemic therapy. Cutaneous cancers impact the geriatric patient population, so ethical considerations and non-surgical management are emphasized.

This issue of Otolaryngologic Clinics, guest edited by Dr. Maie St. John, is devoted to Multidisciplinary Approach to Head and Neck Cancer. Articles in this issue include: It Takes a Village – The Import of Multidisciplinary Care; The Role of the Patient: Shared Decision Making; A Story in Black and White: Radiologic Evaluation in the Multi-Disciplinary Setting; Beyond the Glass Slide: Pathology Review in the Multi-Disciplinary Setting; Surgical Innovations; It Takes Two – One Resects, One Reconstructs; Advances in Radiation Oncology: What to Consider; Precision Medicine: Genomic Profiles to Individualize Therapy; The Role of Systemic Treatment Before, During, and After Definitive Treatment; Decision Making for Diagnosis and Management: A Consensus Comes to Life; On Pain; Psychosocial Distress and Screening; First We Eat, Then We Do Everything Else: Nutrition; Functional Assessment and Rehabilitation: How to Maximize Outcomes; Survivorship - Morbidity, Mortality, Malignancy; and Immunotherapy: Who is Eligible?

This issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America is devoted to Head and Neck Cancer. Guest Editor Alexander Colevas, MD has assembled a group of expert authors to review the following topics: Epidemiology of SCCHN; Genetics of Head and Neck Cancers; Molecular Biology of Head and Neck Cancers; Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Treatment; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Evolving Surgical Techniques in SCCHN; Radiation Oncology New Approaches in SCCHN; Thyroid Gland Malignancies; Sequential and Concurrent Chemoradiation; Systemic Chemotherapy for SCCHN Focus on New targets and Agents; EGFR Inhibition in SCCHN; Diagnostic and Therapeutic Assessment Imaging in Head and Neck Cancer; Salivary Gland Cancers; Immunotherapy in SCCHN; Human Papillomavirus in SCCHN; and Supportive Care Issues in SCCHN Treatment and Survivorship: Dental, Nutrition, Speech and Swallowing, Depression.