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.
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Common signs and symptoms include the following:
- A sore throat that continues, or a lesion (sore) that will not go away
- Swollen lymph nodes (lumps) in your neck
- Pain when you swallow or trouble swallowing
- Blood in your sputum (spit) when you cough
- Not being able to open your mouth all the way, or trouble moving your tongue
- Earaches
- Weight loss without trying
Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) for any of the following:
- You have trouble breathing.
- Your cough up or spit out blood.
Seek care immediately if:
- You are having a hard time swallowing.
- You have warmth, pain, or redness in your throat.
Call your doctor or oncologist if:
- You have new or worsening symptoms.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Treatment
may include any of the following:
- Surgery is the preferred treatment for oropharyngeal cancer. Surgery may be used to remove the cancer cells. You may need to have one or more parts of your throat removed. Lymph nodes in your neck may also need to be removed.
- Radiotherapy is a procedure that uses radiation used to kill cancer cells and stop the cancer from spreading. It may be used with or without surgery.
- Chemotherapy is a type of medicine that may be used with or without radiation to kill the cancer cells.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitor medicines may help your immune system kill the cancer or keep it from progressing as quickly.
Prevent or manage oropharyngeal cancer:
- Prevent an HPV infection. HPV-linked SCC is the most common type of oropharyngeal cancer. HPV is usually spread through sexual activity. The following are ways to prevent infection:
- Ask about the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is given to females and males, usually at 11 or 12 years of age. It can be given from 9 years through 45 years of age, if needed. It is most effective if given before sexual activity begins.
- Use a new condom, contraceptive barrier, or dental dam each time you have sex. This includes oral, vaginal, and anal sex. Talk to your healthcare provider if you do not know what to use or how to use it.
- Ask about the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine is given to females and males, usually at 11 or 12 years of age. It can be given from 9 years through 45 years of age, if needed. It is most effective if given before sexual activity begins.
- Do not use tobacco products or drink alcohol. These can increase your risk for cancer or make your symptoms worse. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Eat healthy foods. Healthy foods include fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, and fish. Take small bites, and chew your food well before you swallow. Be especially careful when you eat meat, fruits, and vegetables. A dietitian may help to plan the best meals and snacks for you.
- Exercise as directed. Exercise may help increase your energy level and appetite. Ask your healthcare provider how much exercise you need and which exercises are best for you.
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:
- American Cancer Society
250 Williams Street
Atlanta , GA 30303
Phone: 1- 800 - 227-2345
Web Address: http://www.cancer.org
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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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