Description
A cancer that involves the throat just behind the mouth. This area is called the oropharynx. The oropharynx begins where the oral cavity stops. It includes the base of the tongue, the soft palate, the tonsils, and the side and back wall of the throat. There are many different cell types in these areas and different cancers can develop from each type of cell. Some of these cancers are benign and others are malignant.
Symptoms
Mass in back of throat, difficulty swallowing, spitting up blood, painful swallowing, foreign body sensation in throat, persistent cough or gagging.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A fiber-optic examination may allow direct visualization of the tumor and enable a biopsy to be done. A CT scan or MRI can define the size and spread of the cancer.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: Fiber optic examination, biopsy
Specialists:
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A fiber-optic examination may allow direct visualization of the tumor and enable a biopsy to be done. A CT scan or MRI can define the size and spread of the cancer.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: Fiber optic examination, biopsy
Specialists:
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Treatment
Depends on the type of cancer and the extent of disease but may include: chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or surgery.