There are more than half a million incident cases of squamous-cell carcinoma of the head
and neck worldwide each year, primarily affecting the oropharynx, oral cavity, hypopharynx,
and larynx. This review considers the biologic features of these tumors, including the role of
human papillomavirus as a risk factor for cancer of the oropharynx. New therapies are
considered, along with management approaches.