Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is a globally prevalent malignancy with rising incidence, especially among younger individuals. This review provides a detailed synthesis of its etiology—highlighting tobacco, alcohol, and HPV as major risk factors—and its molecular underpinnings involving mutations in TP53, CDKN2A, and EGFR, alongside key epigenetic and signaling alterations. Diagnosis relies on histopathology, imaging, and HPV testing, while treatment spans surgery, chemoradiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy based on disease stage. The review also discusses treatment resistance, quality-of-life impacts, and emerging strategies such as personalized medicine and artificial intelligence. Future directions emphasize biomarker discovery, advanced imaging, and integrated care models to enhance outcomes.
Mohammedali et al. (Wed,) studied this question.