Larynx and oropharyngeal cancers are two forms of head and neck tumors that can have serious consequences for a person’s health and well-being. The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, is an important organ that produces sound and allows for vocalization. On the other hand, oropharyngeal cancer affects the oropharynx, which encompasses the back of the tongue, tonsils, soft palate, and throat walls.
Oropharyngeal cancer is a form of cancer that originates in the oropharynx, the middle region of the throat behind the mouth. It is a kind of head and neck cancer that mostly affects the oropharynx’s tissues and structures, including the base of the tongue, tonsils, soft palate, and throat walls. Oropharyngeal cancer is often caused by squamous cells that line the surface of the oropharynx and is classed as squamous cell carcinoma. This form of cancer has received a lot of attention in recent years because of its rising occurrence, especially among young people, and its link to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Oropharyngeal cancer can have a significant influence on a person’s health and quality of life since it can cause swallowing, speaking, and breathing issues, and it may necessitate harsh treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Early identification and appropriate treatments are critical in improving the prognosis and overall outcomes of people with oropharyngeal cancer.
As a result, raising knowledge about the symptoms, and treatment choices for oropharyngeal cancer is critical, as is promoting preventative measures such as HPV vaccination and cigarette cessation. We can strive towards early identification, appropriate care, and greater support for people afflicted by oropharyngeal cancer if we understand the condition and its consequences.
Oropharyngeal cancer develops in the oropharynx, which is the middle portion of your throat. Although oropharyngeal cancer may be treated, the disease might recur.
Different types of oropharyngeal cancer
The most prevalent kind of oropharyngeal cancer is tonsil cancer. Base of tongue cancer is also a common type.
Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer
Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer may mirror those of other, less dangerous medical conditions. Among the most common oropharyngeal cancer symptoms are:
- A painful throat (pharyngitis) that persists.
- Dysphagia is characterized by pain or difficulty swallowing.
- Trouble completely opening your mouth (trismus) or moving your tongue.
- Unknown cause of weight reduction.
- Voice alterations that persist.
- Earache that is persistent.
- The presence of a lump at the back of your throat or mouth.
- You have a lump in your neck.
- Coughing blood.
- A persistent white spot on your tongue or the lining of your mouth.
Causes of oropharyngeal cancer
HPV(Human papillomavirus): The most prevalent cause is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV produces proteins that disrupt genes that control the growth of the cells that line your mouth and throat. Oropharyngeal cancer develops when genes fail to govern cell proliferation, causing cells to expand uncontrolled and form tumors.
Tobacco: Tobacco usage, which includes smoking cigarettes and cigars as well as chewing tobacco, harms the cells that line your throat. When cells in your throat are damaged, they divide more than normal, which means they make more copies of their DNA than usual. The more cells that must divide to compensate for injured cells, the more probable it is that cells may make mistakes in duplicating their DNA, increasing the likelihood that cells will become malignant.
Alcohol: Consuming alcoholic beverages may damage the healthy cells in your throat affecting their ability to repair DNA.
Stages of oropharyngeal cancer:
There are four phases of oropharyngeal cancer (I through IV). Stages may differ depending on whether you have oropharyngeal cancer as a result of HPV. Other staging considerations include tumor size and if cancer has progressed to neighboring lymph nodes or distant parts of your body.
Treatment of Oropharyngeal Cancer:
Oropharyngeal cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, targeted medication therapy, or immunotherapy. Their objective is to eliminate cancer cells while allowing you to talk and swallow normally as much as possible.
Transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is a minimally invasive therapeutic approach that uses your mouth to remove difficult-to-reach oropharyngeal malignancies. To remove tumors in your oropharynx, your surgeon does not need to make a huge incision in your neck or split your lower jaw using robotic surgery. A tracheostomy breathing tube is also not required.
Oropharyngeal Cancer Clinic:
We provide the best healthcare facilities for Oropharyngeal Cancer patients. Our multispeciality clinics are situated in the following locations:
Our Main Centre for Larynx & Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment in Dadar, Mumbai
Our Centres for Larynx & Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment
Byculla Branch
Masina Wellness Hospital
Sant Savata Mali Marg, Near Byculla,
Mumbai – 400027
Phone: 9833013400
WhatsApp: 9833013400
Marine Lines Branch
K.G. Mittal Hospital
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road,
Marine Drive – 400002
Phone: 9833013500
WhatsApp: 9833013500
Dadar Branch
Shushrusha Hospital
698-B, Ranade Road,
Dadar West
Mumbai – 400028
Phone: 9833013200
WhatsApp: 9833013200
One can visit any of our branches that are nearby to your location for the best overall healthcare treatment of Oropharyngeal Cancer. Our experts not only provide superior quality care using the latest technologies but also provide complete treatment along with rehabilitation facilities and post-operative care.