INFORMATION ON OROPHARYNX

The oropharynx is the middle part of the pharynx (throat). The pharynx is a hollow tube that begins behind the nose and goes down to the neck, becoming part of the tube that extends into the stomach (esophagus). The oropharynx includes the base of the tongue, the tonsils, the soft palate (back of the mouth), and the walls of the pharynx

INFORMATION ON OROPHARYNX CANCER

Oropharyngeal cancer is a disease in which cancer cells are found within the anatomical borders of the oropharynx.

CAUSES OROPHARYNX CANCER

Similar to other cancers of the head and neck, tobacco and alcohol abuse are the most significant causes for the development of oropharyngeal cancer. Other factors which causes oropharyngeal cancer includes

- A diet poor in fruits and vegetables
- Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV-type-16, also known as HPV-16

SYMPTOMS OF OROPHARYNX

Some of the symptoms include
1. A sore throat that persists
2. Pain or difficulty with swallowing
3. Unexplained weight loss
4. Voice changes
5. Ear pain
6. A lump in the back of the throat or mouth
7. A lump in the neck


DIAGNOSIS OF OROPHARYNX
Diagnosis can be performed by CT scan or biopsy of the tissues

TREATMENT OF OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER

Following can be performed
1. Surgery
2. Radiotherapy
3. Chemotherapy