Head and Neck Malignancies in the UAE

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are one of the most common malignancies in the world. In this chapter, we discuss the incidence, pathogenesis, treatment, and future challenges in the management of HNSCC in the United Arab Emirates. Tobacco, alcohol, betel nuts, chewing tobacco, and chronic irritation and inflammation of the mucosal surfaces lead to these cancers. Human papillomavirus-associated oropharyngeal cancers (HPV-OPSCCs) occur at a lower rate compared to the western hemisphere. Due to the unique demographics of the UAE, HNSCC is an important cancer to focus on with regards to improving access to treatment, therapeutic paradigms, and research in both epidemiological and interventional clinical trials. In general, the treatment is aligned with international standards of care, with patients receiving expert surgical intervention, advanced radiotherapy treatments, and novel medical treatments, including immunotherapy. However, registry data, access to transoral robotic surgery, and interventional trials are severely lacking and need further collaboration within the oncologic community.