Head and neck pathology remains a difficult area within diagnostic surgical pathology, because of the diversity of tissues and organs, the very fine line of distinction between many benign and malignant entities found in that region, and the limited biopsy material that can be received for diagnosis. In many different types of tumors of the head and neck, a differential diagnosis can range from completely benign lesions to frank malignancy with only subtle histologic differences that distinguish the extremes. These difficult biopsies are commonly seen in every surgical pathology practice. This course will address a spectrum of tumors in the head and neck in which the differential diagnosis between benign and malignant is subtle, difficult, or includes new clinicopathologic entities.

The cases presented will emphasize head and neck disease entities that elicit a broad benign and malignant differential diagnosis, including lesions with borderline or unpredictable behavior. The topics will include mucosal derived tumors, neuroendocrine lesions, and salivary gland tumors. Upon completion of this educational activity, the participants should be able to: 1) Recognize the characteristic histologic features of diagnostically challenging borderline head and neck tumors; 2) Describe the differential diagnosis for the entities, emphasizing the benign and low grade malignant possibilities; 3) Utilize ancillary testing to distinguish between the possibilities on limited biopsies; and 4) Recognize limitations for diagnosis, and be able to suggest additional testing or sampling for definitive diagnosis.

The course is designed for residents and practicing pathologists. Pre-registrants will be able to view case histories and virtual slide images of the cases prior to the meeting on the USCAP website. A course syllabus will be distributed at the annual meeting with the PowerPoint slides and this will also be available after the meeting on the USCAP website.

(NEW COURSE)