Insight into Classification and Risk Stratification of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Era of Emerging Biomarkers with Focus on Histopathologic Parameters

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) might present with different clinical behaviors, even when classified at the same stage. This perspective highlights the recent findings on prognostic biomarkers that can aid in improving the staging of HNSCC. This was conducted with an aim of subsequently improving prognostic stratification and, hence, treatment planning. ABSTRACT: Tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system is the cornerstone for treatment planning of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Many prognostic biomarkers have been introduced as modifiers to further improve the TNM classification of HNSCC. Here, we provide an overview on the use of the recent prognostic biomarkers, with a focus on histopathologic parameters, in improving the risk stratification of HNSCC and their application in the next generation of HNSCC staging systems.