Characterization of Cervical and Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas by Proteomic Analysis
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(First Paragraph) The oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, esophagus, and ano-genital orifices are lined with stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium, which forms the barrier between the underlying tissue and the external environment. The proliferative nature of this epithelium, together with its potential exposure to environmental insults such as tobacco carcinogens, alcohol, or oncogenic viruses, makes it susceptible to carcinogenesis. Indeed, carcinomas of stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium are among the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. In particular head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and cervical squamous cell carcinoma together account for about 1 million new cases annually, worldwide. These cancers arise from similar tissues and share common risk factors, although they differ in that effective population-based screening exists only for cervical cancer.