Oropharyngeal cancer
Oropharyngeal cancer or tonsil cancer occurs in the neck and head, where cancer cells occur within the throat area. Around 90% of the cells are squamous cell carcinomas when cancer cells arise from the flat surface cells lining the throat and mouth. If you suspect you have this cancer type, then consult the experienced team of cancer specialists in Guwahati at Oncomax – One of the leading cancer care hospitals in Assam.
Are there any risk factors for oropharyngeal cancer?
Some of the factors that are likely to increase the risk of oropharyngeal cancer like:
- Smoking history
- Alcohol use
- Head and neck cancer
- Radiation therapy of the neck and head
- Getting infected with HPV
If you suspect anything wrong, schedule your initial consultation at our cancer hospital in Guwahati to seek the most appropriate care.
What are the causes of oropharyngeal cancer?
Cancer occurs with controlled build-up and multiplication of abnormal cells in the body. Your sedentary lifestyle and habits like intake of alcohol and tobacco result in cancer. Although, in a few cases, the reason is not known.
What are the symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer?
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer:
- Sore throat that won’t go away
- Pain or difficulty as you swallow
- Unexplained weight loss
- Neck lump
- Lump in the throat or mouth
- Ear pain that won’t go away
- Voice change that doesn’t go away
- Problem opening mouth completely or moving tongue
- Blood coughing
- Mouth lining or white patch on tongue
How do doctors diagnose oropharyngeal cancer?
Initially, the doctor checks your entire medical history and smoking history. Additionally, past illnesses and medications are analyzed to know more about the symptoms. Afterward, the doctor checks the:
- Throat
- Neck
- Mouth
The doctor analyzes the abnormal area or mass in the mouth to better check what’s the problem. Additionally, the cancer doctor performs imaging tests like:
- CT scan
- PET scan
- MRI
Therefore, the tests help to see the problem better and proceed further to prevent the condition from getting worse. Additionally, the treatment will depend on how far the cancer has spread in the body.
Can I prevent oropharyngeal cancer?
Some of the necessary measures that you should take to prevent the chances of oropharyngeal cancer are:
- Do not smoke
- Do not drink alcohol
- Make sure to consult the healthcare provider on time
- Avoid HPV
Do you suspect cancer symptoms?
Make sure to schedule your initial consultation at Oncomax and seek all personalized care from our experienced team of oncologists to improve your overall well-being. Even if you need rehabilitation care, our Guwahati oncologist will readily provide the same to help you get back to your normal working regime. If there’s any doubt, please make sure to discuss the same with our cancer specialist.