Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment in Delhi, India
Overview
Cancer or malignancy is a disease in which cells are abnormal in a particular body part. Oropharyngeal cancer is the cancer of the oropharynx.
Associated Anatomy of Oropharyngeal Cancer
The oropharynx starts from the base of the tongue and consists of the tonsils, your soft palate, which is the back of your throat, and the sidewalls of the throat.
Oropharyngeal Cancer Causes & Risk factor
The causes for oropharyngeal cancer are:
- Excessive consumption of tobacco: A history of excessive tobacco consumption in the form of smoking and chewing has been shown to increase the likelihood of getting oropharyngeal cancer.
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Infection caused due to human papillomavirus (HPV): HPV, precisely HPV type 16, is linked directly to the cause of oropharyngeal cancer.
- Genetics: Family history and genetics are also likely causes of oropharyngeal cancer.
- Tobacco: Tobacco use is one of the leading factors of oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancer. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and even consistent exposure to secondhand smoke may increase the chances of oropharyngeal cancer.
- Human Papillomavirus: The HPV comprises more than 150 types of viruses. The HPV virus, precisely HPV type 16, is linked directly to the cause of oropharyngeal cancer.
- Gender: Men are twice more likely to develop oropharyngeal cancer than women.
- Age: Oropharyngeal cancer takes years to develop. Hence, it is more common in older people than younger people.
- Excessive body weight: Overweight people are more likely to develop oropharynx cancer.
Oropharyngeal Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer are:
- Persistent sore throat
- Difficulty in swallowing / talking
- Pain in ears
- Difficulty or pain in moving the tongue
- Growth in the back of the tongue, neck, or the throat
- Coughing of blood.
Oropharyngeal Cancer Diagnosis
There are various tests to diagnose oropharyngeal cancer. The first step in diagnosis is the patient’s history, whether the patient is a consumer of tobacco, and family history. Then the doctor will examine the oropharynx and throat of the patient for any abnormal growth. If any abnormal growth is found, the biopsy determines whether the growth is malignant or benign. Then, imaging the oropharynx is performed using a CT scan or PET scan or MRI Scan. Fibrreoptic laryngoscopy is done to determine the extent of the tumor.
Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment
There are multiple options available for the treatment of oropharyngeal cancer. These are:
Surgery
Surgery is a treatment option for oropharyngeal cancer. It involves the surgical removal of the cancer (tumor) from the oropharynx.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other radiation rays to kill the cancerous cells in the affected area.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the treatment in which drugs are used to kill and stop the growth of cancerous cells.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a clinical method that uses the body’s immune system to fight and kill cancerous cells.
Follow up After Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment
After the successful treatment of oropharyngeal cancer, you will have to adhere to a schedule of appointments with the doctor. Follow-up treatment is important, and you must report any symptoms to the doctor. You will undergo endoscopy at regular intervals after the treatment. Imaging through CT scan or PET scan, blood tests, and dental exams will be conducted periodically. You will have to bring certain lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and chewing tobacco, eating healthy food, and quitting alcohol consumption.
Possible Complications of Oropharyngeal Cancer
After treating oropharyngeal cancer, there may be certain complications such as trouble in speaking, chewing, moving tongue, or swallowing. Speech therapists may help you in overcoming these complications. There may also be some complications in hearing which can be resolved by consulting an audiologist.
Oropharyngeal Cancer Prevention
Primary Prevention of Oropharyngeal Cancer
- Avoid HPV infection: HPV infection can be avoided by preventing unprotected sex and taking the HPV vaccine.
- Avoid tobacco: Tobacco is the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer. Strictly avoid the consumption of tobacco in any manner to prevent oropharyngeal cancer.
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet to avoid being overweight.
- Schedule regular health check-ups with your physician.
Secondary Prevention of Oropharyngeal Cancer
Secondary prevention of oropharyngeal cancer is done post-treatment of cancer successfully. However, secondary prevention is necessary to avoid the relapse of true cancer.
- Regular check-up: A regular check-up is important for the secondary prevention of oropharyngeal cancer so that the doctor can track any relapse of cancer.
- Mention any symptoms to the doctor: If you face any symptoms, no matter how minuscule, it is crucial to visit the doctor and get checked for cancer.
Expected Prognosis of Oropharyngeal Cancer
The five-year relative survival rate of stage one oropharyngeal cancer worldwide is 62%, for stage 3 and 4 is 29% and for all stages combined is 49%. The survival rate of oropharyngeal cancer because of the HPV p16 is greater than the other causes of oropharyngeal cancer.
Natural Progression of Oropharyngeal Cancer
If left untreated oropharyngeal cancer can spread to other adjacent body parts. Cancer will start spreading to the throat, vocal cords, lungs if left untreated.