ACR Appropriateness Criteria: local-regional therapy for resectable oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas.

The optimal management of resectable oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas is controversial with many treatment options, both surgical and nonsurgical approaches, supported by published experiences with no randomized trials comparing commonly accepted treatments. The treatment decisions are further complicated by the need for local-regional disease control and competing goals to preserve salivary and swallow function. Treatment decisions may also be affected by tumor and patient related factors and a history of environmental exposure to tobacco and evidence of human papilloma virus. We summarize the published literature and provide treatment consensus derived from the modified Delphi methodology. Copyright 2010 American College of Radiology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.