Abstract
Understanding the structure and function of the oropharynx is paramount for providing excellent patient care. In clinical oncology, the oropharynx is generally divided into four distinct components: (i) the base of the tongue; (ii) the soft palate; (iii) the palatine tonsillar fossa; and (iv) the pharyngeal wall. The oropharyngeal mucosa is distinct from other mucosal surfaces in the body, as it is composed of a reticulated epithelium with a discontinuous basement membrane, also known as lymphoepithelium. This review describes the anatomy, histology, immunology and surgical resection of the oropharynx as they relate to oncological care.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1021-1029 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Histopathology |
Volume | 70 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2017 |
Keywords
- base of tongue
- lymphoepithelium
- oropharynx
- squamous cell carcinoma
- tonsil
- transoral laser microsurgery (TLM)
- transoral robotic surgery (TORS)
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine
- Histology