oropharyngeal cancer

Oropharyngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the part of the throat behind the mouth, including the tonsils and the back of the tongue. It is often associated with oral cancer. The majority of these cancers originate from squamous cells, which line the mouth and throat.

Key risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use, with men being affected at twice the rate of women. Certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) and exposure to ultraviolet radiation can also increase risk.

Common symptoms include persistent mouth sores that don't heal, white or red patches in the mouth, lumps in the neck or jaw, and difficulty swallowing. Diagnosis involves physical examination, biopsy, and imaging techniques like CT or MRI scans. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Early detection significantly improves survival rates.