Indications for oropharyngeal biopsy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary: A systematic review (HNSCCUP).

High level evidence is lacking, with heterogeneity in the reported studies. Published meta-analyses are based on retrospective data. There is little evidence supporting the practice of random/non-directed oropharyngeal biopsies. Available evidence supports palatine tonsillectomy and tongue base mucosectomy compared to deep tissue biopsies.