Oropharynx

This is the middle 1/3 of the throat (pharynx). Oropharyngeal cancers are rising in incidence in Western countries due to HPV infections. In India, they are not as common as oral cancers but do comprise a large proportion of cases. In India, most oropharyngeal squamous cell cancers are related to tobacco and alcohol use and not to HPV infections.

Signs & Symptoms

• Growth or non-healing ulcer in the soft palate, tonsil or back of the throat
• One sided enlargement of the tonsil
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
• Hot potato speech
• Inability to stick out (protrude) tongue
• One sided earache or headache
• Mass in the neck

It Includes

• The posterior 1/3 of the tongue (base of tongue)
• The soft palate
• The tonsils
• The side and back of the throat, from the level of the base of the tongue to the soft palate

Risk Factors

• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Human Pappiloma Virus (HPV) infection

Consult Dr. Vishal Choksi, one of the best head and neck surgeon for oropharynx cancer.