Oropharyngeal cancer is a sub-type of head and neck cancer that triggers the multiplication and uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells that usually originate in the oropharynx, an area within the throat.

main

Oropharynx is the middle part of the throat (i.e., pharynx) just above the mouth. It mainly includes the tonsils, the back part of the tongue (i.e., base of the tongue), the soft palate (i.e., the back part of the roof of your mouth), and the sides and walls of the throat.  The main purpose of the oropharynx is to produce saliva, which chiefly helps the oral cavity moist and also aids in the process of digestion by turning the ingested food into a bolus for further digestion. Approximately 90% or more of Oropharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which are cancers initiated from the flat, epidermal, surface cells lining the mouth and throat.

Also Read: Oesophageal Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Causes

Although the preliminary reason behind Oropharyngeal cancer is yet unknown, several scientific studies suggest that it chiefly arises when there are certain alterations in the genetic code of the DNA of the oropharyngeal cells. These sudden changes trigger the healthy cells to grow and multiply rapidly without dying on time and keep accumulating to form tumorous masses of cells anywhere in the oropharynx region leading to cancer.

Also Read: Also Read: Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Risk Factors

Some causative factors that may aggravate the incidence of Oropharyngeal cancer include:

Age: Oropharyngeal cancers are more commonly noticed in people aged 55 or above

Gender:  Men are more at risk of getting Oropharyngeal cancer than their female counterparts

Exposure To Radiation: Individuals who are subjected to radiation therapy to the head or neck due to previous cancer have a higher incidence of Oropharyngeal cancer

Previous Cancer: Individuals having a family history of head and neck cancer or had any other form of cancer in the past have a higher chance of Oropharyngeal cancer

Professional Risk: People who are subjected to daily exposure to carcinogenic materials due to working in certain occupations, like asbestos mining, plumbing, leather work or rubber products manufacturing, are more susceptible to Oropharyngeal cancer

Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits: Addiction towards smoking or extreme intake of tobacco or alcohol increases the risk of Oropharyngeal cancer

Viral Infection: The common HMV or Human Papillomavirus makes a person more vulnerable to getting diagnosed with Oropharyngeal cancer

Symptoms

The common indications of oropharyngeal cancer that appear in the later stage include:

  • Formation of a new sore or lesion that doesn’t heal away easily
  • Hoarseness of voice
  • Sore throat
  • An incessant need to clear the throat
  • Coughing up blood along with mucus
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Formation of a lump in the neck or throat region mimicking goitre
  • Wheezing
  • Pain in the ear cavity
  • Neck pain and swelling
  • Stridor or high-pitched breathing
  • Difficulty in swallowing and breathing
  • Unexplained sudden weight loss
  • White patch or lesion on the surface of the tongue
  • Difficulty in making any sound

Diagnosis And Treatment

On noticing any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, do consult an oncologist right away. The doctor usually does a detailed physical examination by feeling parts of the mouth like the tongue, jaw, neck and throat for the presence of any lumps or swelling. He or she then acknowledges the past medical history of the patient, and exposure to radiation or other carcinogens and performs the following diagnostics:

  • HPV testing
  • Oral brush biopsy
  • Biopsy
  • Imaging tests like Ultrasound, CT scan, PET scan, MRI scan, X-ray, and Barium swallow

Treatment

After properly staging the cells of oropharyngeal cancer, and knowing the size, location of the tumour and the condition of the patient, the doctor usually agrees on the best possible way to deal with the tumour to give the patient a better lifestyle. The available treatment options include:

  • Surgery (comprising Primary tumour surgery, Laryngectomy, Transoral robotic surgery, Glossectomy, Mandibulectomy, Maxillectomy, Neck dissection, Transoral laser microsurgery, Micrographic surgery, Tracheostomy, and Reconstruction of face and jaw)
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapy
  • Rehabilitation
  • Palliative care

Prevention

The incidence of Oropharyngeal Cancer can be significantly reduced by incorporating the following preventive measures in the routine:

  • Quit smoking (both active and passive)
  • Limit the intake of alcohol
  • Avoid exposure to asbestos or other carcinogenic compounds both at work and at home
  • Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet comprising fresh fruits, vegetables and fluids
  • Include exercises in the daily regimen
  • Maintain a healthy weight