Oropharyngeal Cancer

Oropharyngeal cancer describes a disease in which malignant cancer cells invade the tissues of the oropharynx. The oropharynx is an area of the back of the throat comprised of the soft palate, tonsils and the back of the tongue. Most oropharyngeal cancer is caused by infection with the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), with the causal infection typically occurring decades prior to the development of cancer. Patients with oropharyngeal cancer most commonly present with a non-painful mass in the neck and closer examination will often demonstrate a small tumor within the tonsil or on the back of the tongue. Patients with oropharyngeal cancer can also present with difficulty swallowing, sore throat or ear pain.

Evaluation of these tumors typically involves a careful physical examination of the head and neck and a biopsy of the tumor itself to establish a diagnosis. Given the location of these tumors in the back of the throat, biopsy is typically done under anesthesia, at which time the tumor can be more carefully assessed. A flexible fiberoptic exam of the back of the throat is also typically necessary to assess the posterior extent of these tumors. A CT scan or MRI is typically performed to better assess the neck and surrounding lymph nodes.

Though oropharyngeal cancers are becoming increasingly common, they are often very treatable and can be treated with a variety of treatment modalities. Small tumors in the tonsil or on the back of the tongue can often be removed with a minimally invasive trans-oral robotic procedure that preserves speech and swallowing function. Larger tumors can be treated with open surgical resection that requires opening the jaw bone to obtain better exposure. Small and large tumors can also be treated with just radiation or chemotherapy and radiation together. There are clinical trial opportunities available at UC Davis for patients with oropharyngeal cancer that reduce the intensity and side effects of radiation therapy while maintaining an excellent chance of cure.