This course is designed as a case based analysis of the significant diagnostic and therapeutic issues relative to the intraoperative assessment of selected head and neck lesions. The major categories of lesions to be discussed include: 1) surgical margins; 2) benign simulators of squamous cell carcinoma; 3) skull base lesions; 4) intraoral salivary gland neoplasms; 5) major salivary gland neoplasms; 6) neck masses; 7) thyroid gland neoplasms and 8) parathyroid gland proliferative diseases.

Emphasis will be placed on the light microscopic features required for proper interpretation. When applicable, adjunct diagnostic modalities and pertinent clinical information that factor into the intraoperative consultation will be incorporated. The potential utilization of molecular biology in the intraoperative assessment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (“molecular margins”) will be discussed.

The course will serve as a practical guide for pathologists at all levels of training and practice. All registrants will be mailed a set of transparencies and a detailed syllabus will be given at the course.