Oropharyngeal Cancer Specialists in Maharashtra
Oropharyngeal cancer affects the middle part of the throat (oropharynx) including the back of the tongue, soft palate, tonsils, and posterior pharyngeal wall. H…
Health Conditions A–Z
LabDekho500+ Diseases & Conditions Explained
Understand symptoms, causes, treatment options and prevention for hundreds of conditions — written for patients, reviewed for accuracy.
What is Oropharyngeal Cancer?
Oropharyngeal cancer affects the middle part of the throat (oropharynx) including the back of the tongue, soft palate, tonsils, and posterior pharyngeal wall. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer is increasing dramatically.
Severe
Approximately 98,000 new cases annually worldwide; HPV-related cases increasing significantly in developed countries
No
Causes of Oropharyngeal Cancer
Human papillomavirus (HPV-16) is the leading cause of the increasing incidence. Tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and being male are other risk factors.
Symptoms of Oropharyngeal Cancer
Persistent sore throat, difficulty or painful swallowing, lump in the neck or throat, hoarseness, earache, unexplained weight loss, coughing up blood, change in voice
Treatment & Types of Oropharyngeal Cancer in Maharashtra
Radiation therapy with chemotherapy (concurrent chemoradiation) is standard for most stages. Surgery (transoral robotic surgery for some tumors). HPV-positive cancers generally have better outcomes.
Oropharyngeal cancer is classified into HPV-positive and HPV-negative types, which behave quite differently: HPV-positive cancers, increasingly common, tend to occur in younger patients without significant tobacco or alcohol history and generally respond better to treatment, while HPV-negative cancers are more strongly linked to tobacco and alcohol use and tend to have a somewhat less favorable prognosis.
Oncology/ENT Specialists in Maharashtra (1)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers increasing?
Changes in sexual behavior patterns over recent decades have increased HPV transmission, and since HPV-16 is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer in many developed countries, cases linked to this virus have risen significantly.
Does HPV vaccination help prevent oropharyngeal cancer?
Yes, HPV vaccination, recommended for both males and females up to age 26 and in some cases up to 45, reduces the risk of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer by preventing the initial viral infection.
Is the outlook better for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer?
Generally yes, HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers tend to respond better to chemoradiation and have improved survival rates compared to HPV-negative cancers linked mainly to tobacco and alcohol.
What are the early warning signs of oropharyngeal cancer?
A persistent sore throat, difficulty or pain swallowing, a lump in the neck or throat, and hoarseness lasting more than a few weeks should prompt evaluation by an ENT specialist.
Is surgery or radiation used to treat oropharyngeal cancer?
Concurrent chemoradiation is the standard treatment for most stages, though transoral robotic surgery is used for some tumours, with treatment choice depending on tumour location, size, and HPV status.