Oropharyngeal Cancer
What is Oropharyngeal Cancer?
Oropharyngeal cancer occurs when cancer cells spread to the oral cavity, including the pharyngeal walls, tonsils, base of the tongue, and soft palate.
Causes:
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
- Chronic habits like chewing gutka, betel nut, and tobacco
- Alcohol consumption
- Poor nutrition
- Socioeconomic factors
Symptoms:
- Pain and swelling in the oral cavity
- Difficulty opening the mouth due to ulcers and lesions
- Difficulty swallowing and speech changes
- Non-healing, bleeding ulcers
- Redness and burning sensations
Diagnosis:
- Biopsy of non-healing ulcers
- Clinical examination
Treatment:
- Eliminate risk factors (e.g., lifestyle changes)
- Radiotherapy and chemotherapy based on cancer stage
- Dietary corrections for better health outcomes
