Oropharynx, Nasopharynx, and Waldeyer Ring

Abstract

The pharynx comprises two anatomic sites, the oropharynx and nasopharynx, which contain mucosal and lymphoid tissues. Both regions are sites of some of the most well-studied viral-associated malignancies, including human papillomavirus-related oropharyngeal carcinomas and Epstein-Barr virus-related nasopharyngeal carcinomas. In this chapter, we will discuss the classification and pathogenesis of the most common carcinomas of the pharynx and recent advances in ancillary testing of these entities.