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Head and neck (HN) squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) originate from the epithelial cells of the mucosal linings of the upper aerodigestive tract, which includes the oral cavity, the pharynx, the larynx, and the sinonasal cavities. There are many associated risk factors, including alcohol drinking coupled with tobacco use, which accounts for 70% to 80% of HNSCCs. Human papilloma virus (HPV) is another independent risk factor for oropharyngeal SCC, but it is only a minor contributor to oral cavity SCC (OSCC). Betel quid chewing is also an established risk factor in southeast Asian countries. However, OSCC, and especially oral tongue cancer, incidence has been reported to be increasing in several countries, suggesting risk factors that have not been identified yet. This review summarizes the established risk factors for oral cavity squamous cell carcinomas and examines other undemonstrated risk factors for HNSCC.

International audience; Objectives: To assess the factors associated with long-term quality of life (QoL) and patient concerns in elderly oral or oropharyngeal cancer (OOPC) patients after oncologic surgery and free-flap reconstruction. Methods: Patients aged over 70 years who were still alive and disease-free at least 1 year after surgery were enrolled in this cross-sectional multicentric study. Patients completed the EORTC QLQ-C30, -H&N35 and -ELD14 QoL questionnaires, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Patient needs were evaluated using the Patient Concerns Inventory (PCI). Factors associated with these clinical outcomes were determined in univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Sixty-four patients were included in this study. Long-term QoL, functioning scales and patient autonomy were well-preserved. Main persistent symptoms were fatigue, constipation and oral function-related disorders. Salivary and mastication/swallowing problems were the main patient concerns. The mean number of patient concerns increased with the deterioration of their QoL. Psychological distress (HADS score ≥ 15) and patient frailty (G8 score

International audience; Introduction: "Sociability" is defined as the range of experiences linking the subject to others. This is the first study to focus specifically on the impact of head and neck cancer on the sociability of patients' partners. Method: Data were collected via a dedicated questionnaire sent to patients' partners. The main endpoint was partner's self-assessment of the impact of the patient's disease on the partner's everyday life. The impact on sociability was analyzed with respect to: the circle of friends (friendship environment), unknown environment, known outside environment, necessary environment, and solitary activities. Results: Two hundred and seventy partners responded. Their everyday activities were impacted by the patient's disease in 71.5% of cases. The friendship environment was badly affected in 46.4% of cases. The unknown environment was affected in 44.0% of cases. Social practices related to the known outside environment were affected in 67.8% of cases, and the necessary environment in 26.0%; the number of solitary activities increased in 35.6% of cases. Social impact on patients' partners was thus considerable.