An overview and update on soft tissue lesions of the head and neck

Abstract Soft tissue lesions of the head and neck encompass a broad range of pathological entities associated with different prognoses and requiring different treatments. All pathologists will encounter a wide range of soft tissue tumours in whatever specialist area they practice. Getting the diagnosis ‘right the first time’ is critical for patients to be offered optimal treatment. Molecular testing can help reach the correct diagnoses and this arena is developing fast. However, pathologists should not rely unquestioningly on special tests, whether it is immunohistochemistry or whole genome sequencing as no test is entirely specific or sensitive. Pathologists should provide a diagnosis in the context of all tests including the histology along with medical imaging and the patient's symptoms, signs and family history. This article reviews key clinical, pathological and histologic features of tumours most commonly presenting in the head and neck region, including those most recently described.