Mouth cancer (oropharyngeal cancer)

Description

A cancer which affects throat just behind the mouth. This area is called oropharings. The oropharings starts where the oral cavity ends. It includes root of the tongue, soft palate, tonsils and side walls of the pharynx. There are many different types of cells and different types of cancer may develop from any of them. Some of these types of cancer are benign other are malignant.

Symptoms

Growth on the back of the throat, difficulty swallowing, blood in sputum, painful swallowing, sensation of having foreign body in the throat, persistent cough or urge for vomiting.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. Fiber optic examination allows direct visualization of the tumor and enables biopsy. CT scan or MRI-magnetic resonance imaging may define the size and spreading of the cancer.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC), biochemical blood analysis, CT scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Additional analyses

Fiber optic test – pharingoscopy, biopsy.

Specialists

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Therapy

Depends on the type of cancer and extent of the disease and include chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery.