Introduction: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common malignancy throughout the world. It represents a significant global health burden due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. HNSCC exhibits varying degree of differentiation, invasion and lymph node involvement impacting its prognosis and treatment. Objectives: We aim to delve into microscopic characteristics of HNSCC, grading system and their prognostic significance providing foundation for accurate histological diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted for 18 months and included 80 cases of histopathologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck. Clinical and histopathological features of each case were analysed. In radical resection cases, according to College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidelines TNM staging and histologic grading was done. Results: A total of 80 (51 biopsy and 29 radical resection) cases were included, among which 65(81.25%) were men, with a mean age of 54.8 years. Commonest risk factor was tobacco chewing seen among 64 cases (80%). 63 cases (78.75%) presented with an exophytic mass, followed by ulcer with leukoerythroplakia 4(5%). Most frequent site involved was buccal mucosa 34(42.5%) followed by tongue 12(15%). In radical resections 16 cases (55.1%) were showing lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion and perineural invasion was seen in 6(20.6%) cases 8(27.58%) cases respectively. Most of them were of grade II accounting for 49 cases (61.25%), followed by grade I which totalled to 30 cases (37.5%) and a solitary(1.25%) case of grade III. A statistically significant correlation was obtained between age and grade of the tumour. Worst pattern of invasion, depth of invasion showed significant correlation with lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion and lymph node metastasis. Conclusions: Our data reflect the histopathological characteristics of HNSCC. The intricate understanding of the pathological features of HNSCC is essential for optimizing diagnostic accuracy, prognostication and development of therapeutic strategies for improved patient outcome.

Introduction: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common malignancy throughout the world. It represents a significant global health burden due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. HNSCC exhibits varying degree of differentiation, invasion and lymph node involvement impacting its prognosis and treatment. Objectives: We aim to delve into microscopic characteristics of HNSCC, grading system and their prognostic significance providing foundation for accurate histological diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted for 18 months and included 80 cases of histopathologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck. Clinical and histopathological features of each case were analysed. In radical resection cases, according to College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidelines TNM staging and histologic grading was done. Results: A total of 80 (51 biopsy and 29 radical resection) cases were included, among which 65(81.25%) were men, with a mean age of 54.8 years. Commonest risk factor was tobacco chewing seen among 64 cases (80%). 63 cases (78.75%) presented with an exophytic mass, followed by ulcer with leukoerythroplakia 4(5%). Most frequent site involved was buccal mucosa 34(42.5%) followed by tongue 12(15%). In radical resections 16 cases (55.1%) were showing lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion and perineural invasion was seen in 6(20.6%) cases 8(27.58%) cases respectively. Most of them were of grade II accounting for 49 cases (61.25%), followed by grade I which totalled to 30 cases (37.5%) and a solitary(1.25%) case of grade III. A statistically significant correlation was obtained between age and grade of the tumour. Worst pattern of invasion, depth of invasion showed significant correlation with lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion and lymph node metastasis. Conclusions: Our data reflect the histopathological characteristics of HNSCC. The intricate understanding of the pathological features of HNSCC is essential for optimizing diagnostic accuracy, prognostication and development of therapeutic strategies for improved patient outcome.