We know a throat cancer diagnosis — like oropharyngeal cancer — can turn your world upside down. But you’re not alone. Through human papillomavirus vaccine advocacy, survivor wellness checks and research, Tanner Cancer Care is here to help you through every step of your cancer journey.

Understanding oropharyngeal cancer

Oropharyngeal cancer involves the oropharynx, the middle part of the throat enclosing the tonsils, the base of the tongue, the soft palate and the posterior pharyngeal walls. It is a type of head and neck cancer that typically affects the tonsils or the base of the tongue.

It is different from oral cavity cancer, which typically involves the mouth, anterior tongue, lips or gums.

The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 59,660 new cases of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer are diagnosed each year. Men are four times more likely to be diagnosed than women, and the median age of oropharyngeal cancer patients is 64.

Even so, this disease is becoming more common in younger individuals, especially those with human papillomavirus (HPV). Research suggests that 70% of throat cancers in the U.S. are HPV-positive, which often respond well to treatment. Others may be tied to smoking or heavy drinking. Whatever the cause, catching it early is key.

Common signs and symptoms of throat cancer

It can be hard to tell when something is wrong in the back of your throat. Many throat cancer symptoms seem like a common cold or sore throat, but they last much longer and don’t go away with regular treatment.

Here are the signs of throat cancer to watch for:

• A sore throat that doesn’t go away
• Trouble swallowing or a feeling that something is stuck in your throat
• A lump in the neck or on one side of the throat
• Voice changes or hoarseness
• Pain in one or both ears
• Unexplained weight loss

If you’ve had any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it’s time to talk to a doctor.

Risk factors: What raises your chances?

Some people are more likely to get oropharyngeal cancer than others. Age and gender play a significant role, but here are some additional risk factors:

• HPV infection – This is now the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer in the U.S.
• Smoking or tobacco use – Cigarettes, cigars or chewing tobacco all increase your risk.
• Heavy alcohol use – Drinking heavily over time, especially combined with smoking, increases risk.
• Weakened immune system – Chronic illness or certain medications can lower your defenses.

Getting diagnosed: What to expect

If your doctor thinks you might have oropharyngeal cancer, they’ll start with a complete exam. A diagnosis may include:

• Physical exam – Your physician checks your mouth, throat and neck for swelling.
• Endoscopy – A small camera is used to look deep into your throat.
• Imaging scans – CT, MRI or PET scans help determine how far cancer has spread.
• Biopsy – A small tissue sample is tested to confirm whether cancer is present.
• HPV testing – Lab tests determine whether the tumor is HPV-positive.

Treatment options for oropharyngeal cancer

If you have been diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer, your doctor may discuss the following treatment options with you, several of which are offered at the Roy Richards, Sr. Cancer Center:

Radiation therapy (IMRT)

Radiation therapy, especially image-guided Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), is a widely used and effective treatment option for oropharyngeal cancer. IMRT is a complex technology that aims to deliver more radiation to cancer cells than to nearby healthy tissue. It is beneficial in many stages of throat cancer and may help patients conserve their ability to speak and swallow, with fewer side effects than older radiation techniques.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy refers to anti-cancer drugs used to kill or minimize the growth of cancerous cells. For oropharyngeal cancer, chemotherapy may be used alongside radiation treatment (chemoradiation) or as a preliminary treatment before surgery. It is especially relevant in advanced stages of throat cancer, when the disease has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is aimed at specific molecules or genes linked to cancer. Unlike treatments that broadly attack cells, targeted therapy is designed to spare normal tissue. In some oropharyngeal cancer cases, especially those related to HPV, targeted therapies can help stop tumor growth or improve the effectiveness of other treatments.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a breakthrough approach that uses the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It is most helpful in patients with recurrent or metastatic oropharyngeal cancer when other forms of treatment have been exhausted. This approach can improve long-term disease control in later stages.

Take the next step with confidence

At Tanner Cancer Care, we blend expertise with compassion. Here are some of the strengths of our approach:

• Tanner Cancer Care Promise – We promise to see new patients quickly, review their condition and provide treatment options within three days of diagnosis.
• Integrated team approach – Our care team includes experienced oncologists, surgeons and nurses who collaborate to ensure comprehensive care.
• Comprehensive treatment support – Dietitians, patient navigators, mental health specialists and chaplains walk alongside you.
• Advanced technology – We use techniques including IMRT, robotic surgery, image-guided radiation therapy and clinical trials.
• Local, accessible care – Conveniently located in Carrollton, near Villa Rica, Bremen and Wedowee, so expert cancer care is never far away.

Are you concerned about symptoms? Speak with your primary care physician or learn more at Tanner Cancer Care.