Screening, frühdiagnose und diagnostisches prozedere bei patienten mit plattenepithel-karzinomen des oberen aerodigestivtrakts

The early detection of the neoplasm and the correct staging is life-decisive for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract, because their prognosis primarily depends on the TNM-stage and on the correct indication of the primary therapy. This article describes the screening, existing possibilities of the early detection and the diagnostic procedures for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract. Furthermore, the present possibilities for the evaluation of the biological tumor behavior, genetically determined risk factors and their prognostic relevance are briefly summarized.