Oral/pharyngeal squamous carcinoma: treatment strategies.

Oral/pharyngeal squamous carcinoma is a largely preventable problem. Most patients have significant tobacco and alcohol histories. Treatment reflects the locally and regionally aggressive nature of these tumors. In advanced disease neither surgery nor radiation therapy can be used as a primary modality, and often combined treatment is necessary. Chemotherapy has a less well-defined role, but is increasing control rates in advanced tumors.