Oropharyngeal cancer

Oropharyngeal cancer
Image of human papilloma virus associated oropharyngeal cancer, under a microscope. The tissue has been stained to show the presence of the virus by in situ hybridisation
3D medical illustration showing the cancer formation in the tissues of the oropharynx
SpecialtyOncology, head and neck surgery
SymptomsSore or blister in back of mouth, difficulty with speech, swallowing or breathing, swelling in neck, loss of appetite, loss of weight, and weakness
CausesHuman papillomavirus (HPV),[1][2][3][4] tobacco use (smoking and chewing),[1] alcohol use disorder (long-term effects)[1]
Diagnostic methodEndoscopy, biopsy, staining for p16, CT scan
PreventionHPV vaccine[1][2][3]
TreatmentSurgery,[1] radiation,[1] chemotherapy[1]

Oropharyngeal cancer,[1][2][3] also known as oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and tonsil cancer,[1] is a disease in which abnormal cells with the potential to both grow locally and spread to other parts of the body are found in the oral cavity, in the tissue of the part of the throat (oropharynx) that includes the base of the tongue, the tonsils, the soft palate, and the walls of the pharynx.[1][2][3][5]

The two types of oropharyngeal cancers are HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer, which is caused by an oral human papillomavirus infection;[1][2][3][4] and HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer, which is linked to use of alcohol, tobacco, or both.[1][6]

Oropharyngeal cancer is diagnosed by biopsy of observed abnormal tissue in the throat. Oropharyngeal cancer is staged according to the appearance of the abnormal cells on the biopsy coupled with the dimensions and the extent of the abnormal cells found. Treatment is with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy; or some combination of those treatments.

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Anjum F, Zohaib J (4 December 2020). "Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma". Definitions (Updated ed.). Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. doi:10.32388/G6TG1L. PMID 33085415. S2CID 229252540. Bookshelf ID: NBK563268. Retrieved 7 February 2021 – via NCBI. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e Kreimer AR (June 2014). "Prospects for prevention of HPV-driven oropharynx cancer" (PDF). Oral Oncology. 50 (6): 555–9. doi:10.1016/j.oraloncology.2013.06.007. PMC 4058827. PMID 23876626. S2CID 13768854.
  3. ^ a b c d e Takes RP, Wierzbicka M, D'Souza G, Jackowska J, Silver CE, Rodrigo JP, et al. (December 2015). "HPV vaccination to prevent oropharyngeal carcinoma: What can be learned from anogenital vaccination programs?". Oral Oncology. 51 (12): 1057–60. doi:10.1016/j.oraloncology.2015.10.011. PMID 26520047. S2CID 23356354.
  4. ^ a b Parkin DM (June 2006). "The global health burden of infection-associated cancers in the year 2002". International Journal of Cancer. 118 (12): 3030–44. doi:10.1002/ijc.21731. PMID 16404738. S2CID 10042384.
  5. ^ "Oropharyngeal Cancer Overview". Cleveland Clinic. 2007-09-07. Retrieved 2011-04-18.
  6. ^ Nordqvist C (October 4, 2011). "HPV Linked Oropharyngeal Cancer Rates Rise Dramatically". Medical News Today.