Surgical Pathology of the Head and Neck

Date: November 18-21, 2009
Location: Santa Barbara, CA
Credits: 26.25 CME

Core Competencies: PC, MK, PBL
Intended Audience: Pathologists, Pathology Residents, Pathologists’ Assistants

What’s NEW in Head & Neck Pathology?

• Refinement of squamous cell carcinoma variants and an improved molecular understanding of dysplastic preneoplastic lesions and carcinomas.
• Newly described variants of classic salivary gland tumors.
• A methodical algorithmic approach to stratification of salivary gland and sinonasal and head and neck mesenchymal tumors. (No more wallpaper matching!)
• Improved molecular characterization of thyroid and parathyroid lesions.

Special COURSE FEATURES!

• Interactive video microscopy sessions.
• Select glass slides available for preview as virtual cases.
• Case study format, with focus on histologic features that impact patient management and prognosis.
• Opportunities for informal discussions with the faculty.
• Set of microscopic case slides available for review with an individual microscope at the end of each session and in the evening.
• Bring your own cases for review with faculty.
• Five-headed microscope available for consultation.
• CD-ROM syllabus included.
• Comprehensive course syllabus, including diagnostic algorithms and up-to-date reference list distributed on-site.
• Pre- and post-tests available on-line.
• New option: SAM credit offered for part of the course.

The sheer volume of pathologic entities that one can encounter in the head and neck – from unique epithelial, mesenchymal, and hematolymphoid neoplasms to non-neoplastic entities – makes this one of the most daunting areas of surgical pathology. Other challenges include the need to integrate clinical, radiographic, immunohistochemical and even nucleic acid based molecular testing to arrive at the appropriate diagnosis.

In order to deal with these factors, today’s surgical pathologist must follow a systematic approach, grounded in an in-depth knowledge of key, clinically important lesions for each head and neck subsite. This comprehensive four-day course will provide the guidance you need to streamline your approach to any given lesion.

A nationally recognized faculty with extensive experience as members of large consultation practices will share their insights about problems that often lead to the need for diagnostic consultation. You will be carefully guided through:

• Appropriate integration of clinical, radiographic, immunohistochemical and molecular data for improved categorization and stratification of head and neck tumors.
• Accurate interpretation of laryngeal biopsies.
• Classification of salivary gland tumors and odontogenic lesions.
• The distinguishing features of various thyroid and parathyroid tumors and tumor-like lesions.

Following this course, you will be able to:

• For a broad range of head and neck tumors, identify the key gross and histologic features that impact patient management.
• Interpret biopsies for the larynx, oral cavity, sinonasal tract and ear.
• Classify and stratify salivary gland tumors into clinically meaningful categories.
• Distinguish between various thyroid.

The ASCP designates these educational activities for a maximum of 26.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activities.

This activity meets MOC Part II Lifelong Learning requirements. A self-assessment option is available for pathologists attending this program to earn SAM credits for Maintenance of Certification, Part II Self-Assessment Modules (MOC-SAM) for part of the course.