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Oropharyngeal Cancer

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 5, 2024.

AMBULATORY CARE:

Oropharyngeal cancer

forms at the back of the throat. Common places include the tonsils, base of the tongue, back and sides of the throat, and soft palate. Your risk for oropharyngeal cancer is higher if you have HPV or a history of head or neck cancer. Use of tobacco products or alcohol also increases your risk. Most oropharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCC is a slow growing cancer that usually does not spread. Squamous cells are found in the skin, organs, respiratory tract, and digestive tract.

Mouth Anatomy

Common signs and symptoms include the following:

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:

Seek care immediately if:

Call your doctor or oncologist if:

Treatment

may include any of the following:

Prevent or manage oropharyngeal cancer:

Follow up with your doctor or oncologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

For more information:

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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