The Historical Evolution of Head and Neck Tumor Pathology in WHO Classifications: From Morphology to Molecular Taxonomy
10 affiliations
- 1Department of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo, 126 - Cidade Universitária, Campinas, SP 13083-887 Brazil
- 2Oral Diagnosis Department, Piracicaba Dental School, Universidade Estadual de Campinas (FOP-UNICAMP), Piracicaba, SP Brazil
- 3Section of Pathology, Department of Translational Research, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- 4Department of Pathology, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- 5Department of Basic Clinical Practice, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- 6Department of Pathology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB Canada
- 7Institute of Biomedicine, Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Turku, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- 8Bioptic Laboratory, Ltd, Pilsen, Czech Republic
- 9Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
- 10Coordinator of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group, Padua, Italy
Abstract
Purpose: The WHO classification of head and neck tumors over the past five decades were reviewed, highlighting the major conceptual and taxonomic changes that have shaped contemporary head and neck pathology.
Methods: Major WHO classifications of head and neck tumors were reviewed, with a focus on changes in diagnostic concepts and taxonomic principles rather than individual additions or removals of tumor entities.
Results: WHO classifications have evolved from morphology-based, site-specific systems to an integrated clinicopathological and molecular taxonomy. Early editions emphasized histomorphology and presumed tissue of origin. Subsequent classifications, however, increasingly incorporated immunophenotypic and molecular findings. The recognition of virus-associated neoplasms and recurrent molecular alterations has contributed to defining new entities and refining existing categories. The fifth edition further standardized tumor taxonomy by introducing essential and desirable diagnostic criteria, reflecting a biology-driven approach to classification.
Conclusion: The evolution of WHO classifications reflects major advances in tumor biology and has substantially influenced diagnostic practice and clinical interpretation. Future classifications will likely incorporate increasingly sophisticated molecular, digital, and computational approaches while maintaining standardized, reproducible, and clinically meaningful diagnostic criteria.
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BibTeX
@article{mariano2026historical,
title = {{The Historical Evolution of Head and Neck Tumor Pathology in WHO Classifications: From Morphology to Molecular Taxonomy}},
author = {Fernanda Viviane Mariano and Luccas Lavareze and Arthur Antolini-Tavares and Alessandro Franchi and Alfons Nadal and Roderick Simpson and Ilmo Leivo and Martina Bradová and Alena Skálová and Reydson Alcides de Lima-Souza and Alfio Ferlito},
journal = {Head and Neck Pathology},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1007/s12105-026-01962-8},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-026-01962-8},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The Historical Evolution of Head and Neck Tumor Pathology in WHO Classifications: From Morphology to Molecular Taxonomy
AU - Fernanda Viviane Mariano
AU - Luccas Lavareze
AU - Arthur Antolini-Tavares
AU - Alessandro Franchi
AU - Alfons Nadal
AU - Roderick Simpson
AU - Ilmo Leivo
AU - Martina Bradová
AU - Alena Skálová
AU - Reydson Alcides de Lima-Souza
AU - Alfio Ferlito
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/26
JO - Head and Neck Pathology
DO - 10.1007/s12105-026-01962-8
UR - https://doi.org/10.1007/s12105-026-01962-8
AB - Purpose: The WHO classification of head and neck tumors over the past five decades were reviewed, highlighting the major conceptual and taxonomic changes that have shaped contemporary head and neck pathology. Methods: Major WHO classifications of head and neck tumors were reviewed, with a focus on changes in diagnostic concepts and taxonomic principles rather than individual additions or removals of tumor entities. Results: WHO classifications have evolved from morphology-based, site-specific systems to an integrated clinicopathological and molecular taxonomy. Early editions emphasized histomorphology and presumed tissue of origin. Subsequent classifications, however, increasingly incorporated immunophenotypic and molecular findings. The recognition of virus-associated neoplasms and recurrent molecular alterations has contributed to defining new entities and refining existing categories. The fifth edition further standardized tumor taxonomy by introducing essential and desirable diagnostic criteria, reflecting a biology-driven approach to classification. Conclusion: The evolution of WHO classifications reflects major advances in tumor biology and has substantially influenced diagnostic practice and clinical interpretation. Future classifications will likely incorporate increasingly sophisticated molecular, digital, and computational approaches while maintaining standardized, reproducible, and clinically meaningful diagnostic criteria.
SN - 1936-055X
SN - 1936-0568
ER -