Editorial Type: research-article
 | 
Online Publication Date: 28 Nov 2025

Data Sets for the Reporting of Head and Neck Tumors
Second Edition Update From the International Collaboration of Cancer Reporting

MD,
MD,
MD,
MD,
MD, PhD,
DMD, MS,
PhD,
MD,
MD, PhD, and
PhD
Article Category: Research Article
DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2025-0335-OA
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Context.—

The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting is a not-for-profit organization whose goal is to develop evidence-based, internationally agreed standardized data sets for each anatomic site to be used throughout the world.

Objective.—

To update the changes in the 2nd edition of the data set suite, including carcinomas of the hypopharynx, larynx and trachea, major salivary glands, nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, oropharynx and nasopharynx, and oral cavity, and ear and temporal bone tumors, malignant odontogenic tumors, mucosal melanomas of the head and neck, and nodal excisions and neck dissection specimens.

Design.—

International consensus by expert data set authoring committees, especially authors of the World Health Organization head and neck tumor classification.

Results.—

The unique features have been updated based on current research and developments in histologic classification and standardized reporting guidelines. Separation between core and noncore elements is based on data meaningful to prognosis and stratification. The changes are in conjunction with publication of the 5th edition of the World Health Organization head and neck tumor classification.

Conclusions.—

Increased harmonization of reporting and benchmarking improves patient outcomes and international collaborative research.

Copyright: © 2025 College of American Pathologists 2025

Contributor Notes

Corresponding author: Lester D. R. Thompson, MD, Head and Neck Pathology Consultations, Ste 220 PMD1034, 22543 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills, CA 91364 (email: consults@pathologyconsults.com).

Chernock serves on the steering committee for a Merck and Co–funded clinical trial and is a member of Caris Life Siemens Precision Oncology Alliance. The other authors have no relevant financial interest in the products or companies described in this article.

Accepted: 20 Oct 2025
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