What is Oropharyngeal Cancer?
Oropharyngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that develops in the oropharynx, the middle part of the throat, which includes the base of the tongue, tonsils, soft palate, and the walls of the pharynx. Most oropharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, originating from the
flat cells lining the oropharynx. Early detection and treatment are critical, as oropharyngeal cancer can spread to nearby structures if left untreated.
Causes and Risk Factors
Oropharyngeal cancer can be caused by a combination of lifestyle and environmental factors,
with the following risk factors significantly increasing the likelihood of developing this cancer:
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Infection with HPV, particularly HPV-16, is a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers have been on the rise, especially among younger individuals.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as using smokeless tobacco products, significantly raises the risk of oropharyngeal cancer.
- Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Frequent, heavy alcohol use is a major risk factor, especially when combined with tobacco use.
- Poor Diet and Oral Hygiene: Diets lacking in fruits and vegetables and poor oral hygiene can contribute to the development of oropharyngeal cancer.
- Weakened Immune System: A compromised immune system, due to conditions like HIV or certain medical treatments, can increase susceptibility to oropharyngeal cancer.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer can vary, and they often overlap with symptoms of other less serious conditions. Common signs include:
- Persistent sore throat
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Lump in the throat or neck
- Ear pain or ringing
- Hoarseness or changes in voice
- Unexplained weight loss
- Bleeding in the mouth or throat
- Swelling or enlarged tonsils
If you experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation.
Diagnosing Oropharyngeal Cancer
To diagnose oropharyngeal cancer, healthcare providers may use several diagnostic tools:
- Physical Examination: The doctor examines the mouth, throat, and neck for any abnormal lumps or growths.
- Endoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) may be used to view the oropharynx and detect any abnormalities.
- Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from the affected area to confirm the presence of cancer cells under a microscope.
- Imaging Tests: CT, MRI, and PET scans can help determine the cancer’s location, size, and if it has spread to other areas.
HPV testing may also be conducted on biopsy samples, as HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers
tend to respond better to certain treatments and may have a better prognosis.
Treatment Options for Oropharyngeal Cancer
Treatment for oropharyngeal cancer depends on the stage, location, and the patient’s overall
health. Common treatments include:
Surgery
Surgery is often used to remove the tumor. Types of surgery vary depending on the tumor’s size and location, and may include:
- Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS): A minimally invasive technique using robotic tools to access and remove tumors through the mouth.
- Neck Dissection: If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, a neck dissection may be performed to remove affected lymph nodes.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells and is often used as a primary
treatment for smaller tumors or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy for more
advanced cancers. Traditional radiation therapy can be effective but may affect nearby healthy
tissues, potentially causing side effects such as dry mouth, swallowing difficulties, and changes
in taste.
Proton Therapy: An Advanced Radiation Option
Proton therapy is an advanced form of radiation that targets cancer cells with precision,
delivering radiation to the tumor site while sparing nearby healthy tissue and eliminating the exit
dose often seen with other forms of radiation treatment. This is especially beneficial for
oropharyngeal cancer due to the sensitive structures in the oropharynx, such as the salivary
glands, tongue, and surrounding nerves.
Benefits of Proton Therapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer
- High Precision: Proton beams can be precisely targeted to the tumor, minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding critical structures, such as the brainstem, spinal cord, and swallowing muscles.
- Reduced Side Effects: Patients undergoing proton therapy often experience fewer side effects compared to conventional radiation therapy, such as less impact on swallowing and speech. Some studies have shown a significant decrease in the need for feeding tubes during treatment for patients receiving proton therapy versus traditional photon based radiation treatment such as IMRT.
- Preservation of Quality of Life: By sparing healthy tissues, proton therapy can help maintain functions like speech, swallowing, and taste, which are vital for maintaining quality of life.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and may be used in combination with radiation
therapy, particularly for advanced or metastatic oropharyngeal cancer. Chemotherapy can also be
used before surgery or radiation to shrink the tumor.
Targeted Therapy and Immunotherapy
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target certain molecules involved in cancer cell growth, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), may be used to treat certain oropharyngeal cancers.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy drugs, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, help the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. This may be used for advanced or recurrent oropharyngeal
Life After Treatment: Monitoring and Support
After treatment, regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor for recurrence and
manage side effects. Rehabilitation, including speech and swallowing therapy, may be necessary
to help patients regain function. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting tobacco and limiting alcohol,
are also essential to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Supportive Care
Supportive care services play a vital role in the recovery process for oropharyngeal cancer
patients, and these may include:
- Nutritional Support: Guidance on managing diet-related side effects and ensuring adequate nutrition, especially if swallowing is impacted.
- Pain Management: Techniques to manage pain associated with treatment or recovery.
- Psychosocial Support: Counseling and support groups can help patients and their families cope with the emotional aspects of diagnosis and treatment.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer, discussing all available
treatment options, including proton therapy, can help you make informed decisions about your
care. Advanced therapies like proton therapy offer new hope for effectively treating complex
cancers while preserving quality of life. Consult with your healthcare team to learn more about
which treatment plan is right for your specific needs.
Oropharyngeal Cancer
Wanting to learn more about oropharyngeal cancer for you or a loved one? Get all of the information on symptoms, diagnosis and treatment by contacting the Oklahoma Proton Center team below.
Why We’re Different
With a state-of-the-art facility and an expert team of oncologists and therapists, we build personalized proton therapy treatment plans that best fit each cancer diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve put together commonly asked questions about proton therapy, patient care and insurance options to ensure you have the answers you need.
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