Oropharynx Cancer

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Oropharynx Cancer

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Oropharynx Cancer Doctor in Kolkata

Oropharynx cancer refers to a kind of head and neck cancer that affects the oropharynx, the part of the throat that is located just behind the mouth. It’s commonly linked to risk factors like smoking, heavy alcohol use, and infection with HPV (human papillomavirus). Reach out to the oropharynx oncologist in Kolkata if you are suffering from this condition for comprehensive treatment.

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Symptoms of Oropharynx Cancer

Symptoms of oropharynx cancer can often mimic those of less serious conditions. Common signs to watch for include:

A persistent sore throat (pharyngitis) that doesn’t improve.
Pain or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
Difficulty fully opening your mouth (trismus) or moving your tongue.
Unexplained weight loss.
Persistent changes in your voice.
Ongoing ear pain.
A lump in the back of your throat, mouth, or neck.
Coughing up blood.
A white patch on your tongue or the lining of your mouth that does not heal.

Connect with the oropharynx oncologist in Kolkata in case you experience any of these symptoms for early intervention.

Causes of Oropharynx Cancer

Oropharynx cancer is most commonly caused by a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV produces proteins that disrupt the normal function of genes responsible for controlling the growth of cells in the mouth and throat lining. When these genes lose their ability to regulate cell growth, the cells multiply uncontrollably, leading to tumour formation.

Other risk factors include:

Tobacco use

Smoking or using chewing tobacco damages the throat lining. In response to this damage, throat cells divide more frequently, increasing the risk of DNA copying errors. These errors can lead to the development of cancerous cells.

Alcohol consumption

Alcohol can also damage throat cells, impairing their ability to repair DNA, which further raises the risk of cancer.

Stages of Oropharynx Cancer

Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ)

In the early stage of oropharynx cancer, the tumour is confined to the lining of the oropharynx.

Stage I

The tumour is 2 cm or smaller in size.

Stage II

The tumour measures more than 2 cm but less than 4 cm.

Stage III

The tumour is larger than 4 cm or has spread to the epiglottis (the flap of cartilage that covers the larynx when swallowing).

OR

The cancer has spread to one lymph node on the same side of the neck as the tumour, and the lymph node is no larger than 3 cm.

Stage IV

Stage 4 oropharynx cancer is further divided into stages 4A, 4B, and 4C based on several factors:

The extent of the tumour’s growth into nearby areas, such as the larynx, tongue muscles, lower jawbone, or skull.
The size and number of lymph nodes affected.
Difficulty fully opening your mouth (trismus) or moving your tongue.
Whether the cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes (extranodal extension).
The location of affected lymph nodes, whether on the same side, opposite side, or both sides of the neck.
Whether the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, like the lungs or liver (distant metastasis).

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Diagnosis of Oropharynx Cancer

If specialists suspect oropharynx cancer or a precancerous growth, they may conduct several tests:

Biopsy

To diagnose oropharynx cancer, doctors often perform a biopsy. This is usually done in the doctor’s office. A pathologist then examines the sample under a microscope for signs of cancer or precancerous changes.

Pathologists may also test cancerous tissue for the presence of HPV. Tumours that test positive for HPV may respond better to radiation therapy compared to those that do not involve HPV.

Following a biopsy or tonsillectomy, you may experience throat soreness or mild bleeding for a few days.

Fine Needle Aspiration

Oropharynx cancer can spread to nearby lymph nodes, leading to swelling and neck masses. Fine needle aspiration involves using a small needle to extract cells from the mass, which are then examined under a microscope. Molecular testing for HPV can also be conducted on this sample.

Ultrasound may be used to guide the needle during the procedure by identifying structures in the neck.

CT Scans

If oropharynx cancer is diagnosed, a CT scan may be recommended. This imaging technique produces two- or three-dimensional images using X-rays and a computer. CT scans help determine whether the cancer has spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes and can also detect cancer in distant organs such as the lungs or liver. A contrast dye may be injected into a vein to improve image clarity.

PET/CT Scans

To evaluate if the cancer has spread throughout the body, a PET/CT scan may be performed. This test combines CT imaging with PET technology. The PET scan involves injecting a small amount of radioactive glucose into a vein. Cancer cells absorb the glucose, making them visible during the scan.

The CT component provides detailed images of the body’s organs, and the combined PET/CT results give doctors a clearer view of the cancer’s extent.

Treatment of Oropharynx Cancer

The oropharynx oncologist in Kolkata will analyse your condition and provide the best treatment for your condition.

Here are some of the best oropharynx cancer treatments:

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It may be used as the main treatment, especially for smaller cancers, to kill cancer cells. Two types of radiation therapy are commonly used:

External Beam Radiation:

It delivers radiation from outside the body, targeting the tumour site.
Brachytherapy:

It involves placing radioactive material directly into or near the tumour.

Radiation therapy is often combined with chemotherapy or targeted therapy for more advanced cases.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or shrink cancer cells. It can be used:

In combination with radiation therapy (chemoradiation):

It is often used for more advanced cancer stages.
As adjuvant therapy:

Chemotherapy may be given to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
For metastatic cancer:

Chemotherapy may be used if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies focus on specific proteins or genes that help cancer cells grow. A common drug used in oropharynx cancer targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on cancer cells, slowing their growth. Targeted therapies are often used when cancers don’t respond to traditional treatments or alongside other therapies.

Immunotherapy

For advanced or recurrent oropharynx cancer, immunotherapy may be used. These drugs stimulate the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HPV-related oropharynx cancer different from non-HPV-related cancer?

Yes, HPV-positive oropharynx cancers tend to respond better to treatment, especially radiation therapy and generally have a better prognosis than non-HPV-related cancers.

Can oropharynx cancer be prevented?

The risk of HPV-related oropharynx cancer can be reduced through vaccination against HPV. Limiting tobacco and alcohol use, as well as maintaining good oral hygiene, can also lower the risk.

What is the prognosis for oropharynx cancer?

Prognosis depends on factors like the stage of cancer at diagnosis, HPV status, and overall health. HPV-positive cancers generally have a better outcome, while advanced stages or non-HPV-related cancers may be more challenging to treat.

What follow-up care is needed after treatment for oropharynx cancer?

Patients usually require regular follow-up visits for physical exams, imaging tests, and possibly blood tests to monitor for any recurrence of cancer. Speech and swallowing therapy may also be part of post-treatment care.

How can I reduce my risk of oropharynx cancer recurrence?

To reduce the risk of recurrence, patients are encouraged to quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and follow up regularly with their doctor for monitoring. HPV vaccination can also help protect against future HPV-related cancers.

What is the recovery process like after oropharynx cancer treatment?

Recovery depends on the type of treatment received. Radiation and chemotherapy can lead to fatigue and other effects which may require ongoing care.