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Head & Neck Oncology
Published in: Head & Neck Oncology 1/2009

Open Access 01-12-2009 | Review

Grading systems in head and neck dysplasia: their prognostic value, weaknesses and utility

Authors: Stijn Fleskens, Piet Slootweg

Published in: Head & Neck Oncology | Issue 1/2009

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Abstract

Background

Grading of dysplasia, including head and neck lesions, continues to be a hotly debated subject. It is subjective and lacks intra- and inter-observer reproducibility due to the insufficiency of validated morphological criteria and the biological nature of dysplasia. Moreover, due to the absence of a consensus, several systems are currently employed.

Objectives

The aims of this review are to:
1) Highlight the significance of dysplasia and the importance of a valid method for assessing precursor lesions of the head and neck.
2) Review the different histopathological classification systems for grading intraepithelial lesions of the head and neck.
3) Discuss and review quality requirements for these grading systems.

Conclusion

Regarding the different classification systems, data concerning the WHO classification system are the most available in current literature. There is no simple relationship or overlapping between the classification systems. Further studies should be done to see whether other systems have advantages above the current WHO system and to discover indications that could lead to an universal classification system for intraepithelial lesions of the head and neck.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Grading systems in head and neck dysplasia: their prognostic value, weaknesses and utility
Authors
Stijn Fleskens
Piet Slootweg
Publication date
01-12-2009
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Head & Neck Oncology / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1758-3284
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1758-3284-1-11

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