Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, SCCHN, is a heterogeneous group of tumours not only concerning the site of origin but also regarding aetiology. The 5-year survival for the whole group of SCCHN tumours has not significantly improved over the last 20-25 years. Apart from tumour spread to lymph nodes, N status, gains and losses of specific chromosomes are the only factors shown to be independent prognostic markers for these tumours. Worldwide, an increasing number of people ≤ 40 years are seen being affected by tongue SCC, the most common tumour within the SCCHN group. Even without any clinical signs of metastasis, up to 30% of all tongue SCC have histologically detectable spread to lymph nodes. In this mini review, field cancerization, tumour microenvironment, the so called EMT (epithelial mesenchymal transition) process and the role of viruses in development of SCCHN are discussed as well as potential new therapeutic targets. For the group of tongue SCC, with the increasing incidence seen in young patients and particularly women, new data with impact on prognosis and treatment are urgently needed. But as long as data from the analyses of several sub sites are presented as valid for the whole group of tumours, this vital point is missed.

Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine University of Foggia 71122 Foggia Italy

Department of Clinical Sciences ENT Umea University Umea Sweden

Department of Medical Biosciences Umea University Umea Sweden

Department of Medical Surgical and Dental Specialties 2nd University of Naples Multidisciplinary Naples Italy

Department of Neuroscience Reproductive and Dentistry Sciences University of Naples Federico 2 Naples Italy

Department of Odontology Umea University Umea Sweden

Dipartimento Universitario di Anatomia Patologica Seconda Universita' Degli Studi di Napoli Piazza Miraglia Naples Italy

RECAMO Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute Zluty kopec 7 656 53 Brno Czech Republic

University Paris Diderot INSERM UMRS1162 27 rue Juliette Dodu Paris 75010 France

References provided by Crossref.org

Patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma and co‑existing diabetes exhibit lower recurrence rates and improved survival: Implications for treatment

Identifying pathways regulating the oncogenic p53 family member ΔNp63 provides therapeutic avenues for squamous cell carcinoma

Transfer-RNA-Derived Fragments Are Potential Prognostic Factors in Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Downregulation of TAP1 in Tumor-Free Tongue Contralateral to Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Tongue, an Indicator of Better Survival

Levels of MUC1 in tumours and serum of patients with different sub-types of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck