Head Neck Oncology Glossary

Surgical removal of the upper portion of the mandible while preserving the inferior border and continuity.

Anatomical compartment containing muscles of mastication, frequently involved in head and neck cancer spread.

Deep neck space infection involving muscles of mastication. Can cause trismus and requires urgent management due to pote...

Surgical removal of part or all of the maxilla (upper jaw) to treat tumors of the maxillary sinus or palate.

Tissue transfer requiring microsurgical connection of blood vessels to restore circulation.

Surgical removal of neck lymph nodes while preserving one or more important structures.

Rare melanoma arising from mucosal surfaces of the head and neck, distinct from cutaneous melanoma.

Inflammatory reaction of mucous membranes commonly occurring during head and neck radiation therapy.

A malignant tumor arising from the epithelial lining of the nasopharynx, strongly associated with EBV infection.

Pedicled flap from nasal septum used for skull base reconstruction after endoscopic tumor resection.

Surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes from the neck, classified by anatomical levels and structures preserved.

Rare malignant tumor arising from olfactory epithelium, also known as esthesioneuroblastoma.

Radiation-induced bone necrosis, most commonly affecting the mandible in head and neck cancer patients.

Laboratory test used as a surrogate marker for HPV infection in head and neck cancers.

Surgical reconstruction of the palate, often performed after oncological resection or for congenital defects.

Comprehensive endoscopic examination of the upper aerodigestive tract including nasal cavity, oral cavity, pharynx, and...

Neuroendocrine tumor arising from paraganglia in the head and neck. Most commonly occurs at carotid body, jugular forame...

Deep fascial space lateral to the pharynx that serves as a conduit for tumor spread between the skull base and neck.

Surgical removal of the parotid gland, typically performed for salivary gland tumors.

Regional muscle and skin flap commonly used for reconstruction in head and neck surgery. Based on the pectoralis major m...

Tumor spread along nerve pathways, an important histologic feature indicating aggressive disease behavior.

Hybrid imaging combining positron emission tomography with computed tomography for cancer staging and surveillance.

Abnormal communication between pharynx and skin surface, commonly occurring after laryngectomy.

Deep cervical fascial layer covering the prevertebral muscles and cervical vertebrae. Important anatomic landmark in ass...