Oropharynx Cancer

Why choose us for oropharynx cancer

Your oropharynx is the area of your throat that begins at the back of your mouth. Cancer in this area can affect your ability to swallow. Mays Cancer Center, home to UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, offers an uncommon level of care in South Texas.

Multiple experts, including head and neck surgeons, imaging specialists and other cancer doctors, coordinate to create your care plan. This approach keeps your treatment moving forward. We deliver timely, personalized care that includes surgery and other leading treatments that meet your needs.

Oropharynx cancer is one of many forms of head and neck cancer we treat. Get more information about our head and neck cancer program.

What you need to know about oropharynx cancer

• Most oropharynx cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which spreads through sexual contact. Children and young adults may be able to avoid these cancers later in life by receiving the HPV vaccine.
• Regularly using tobacco and drinking alcohol also raises your risk of oropharynx cancer. It’s never too late to stop using these substances and lower the risk of serious health problems in the future. Find out more about tobacco use and cancer.
• Robotic surgical techniques offer additional treatment options for patients with oropharyngeal cancer. These procedures may minimize side effects after surgery. We help you decide whether this treatment is the right option for you.
• You may need many tests and treatments. Our team includes a head and neck cancer nurse navigator who coordinates these services for you.

How to talk to your doctor about oropharynx cancer

Receiving an oropharynx cancer diagnosis can leave you with a lot of questions, and we’re here to help. We take time to explain the diagnosis and next steps of your care.

You might want to ask your doctor about:

• Additional testing, such as imaging studies that help us plan precise therapies
• Diagnosis, including where in the oropharynx the cancer is growing and how advanced the cancer is
• Treatments, which may include leading surgical care using robotic technology robotic technology (trans-oral robotic surgery)
• Supportive care, including speech therapy if you experience difficulty swallowing

Our personalized approach means we include your input in vital care decisions. You can bring close friends or loved ones with you to appointments to help you communicate your preferences.

Types

Oropharynx cancer can affect the:

• Base of the tongue, the back portion of the tongue that connects to the throat
• Soft palate, a section of tissue in the back of the mouth that protects your airway from food and liquids when you swallow
• Tonsils, areas of tissue at the sides of the throat that are part of the immune system

Symptoms

The symptoms of oropharynx cancer include:

• Earaches or jaw pain
• Sore throat that does not go away
• Lump in the neck or back of the throat
• Pain or difficulty swallowing

Diagnosis

Testing enables us to pinpoint the cancer location and determine appropriate therapies. Your care may include:

• Physical exam to check for abnormal masses near the surface of your neck
• Imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to pinpoint the cancer location
• Endoscopy, a procedure to examine structures in the oropharynx using a special tube with a light and camera at the tip
• Biopsy, a sample of suspicious tissue we take during an endoscopy

A doctor specializing in diagnosing medical problems (pathologist) examines the biopsy sample under a microscope. Our pathologists detect rare and complex head and neck cancers, providing results you can trust.

Our team of head and neck cancer experts meets regularly in meetings called tumor boards. We review test findings and tailor therapies to your unique needs.

Treatment

Research shows that HPV-related oropharynx cancers can be less aggressive. Minimally invasive surgery may be the only necessary treatment for early-stage HPV-related oropharynx cancers.

We use trans-oral robotic surgery (TORS) to access these tumors through the mouth instead of large incisions in the neck. Robotic surgical technology enables surgeons to safely navigate around nerves, blood vessels and other delicate tissues to remove the tumor. This technique is gentler on your body, which may preserve your ability to swallow.

Your care may also include:

• Neck dissection to remove lymph nodes and minimize bleeding during TORS
• Radiation therapy to remove trace levels of cancer that remain after surgery

Patients with oropharynx cancer who do not have HPV may also be eligible for surgery with TORS. Our team works together to develop a personalized care plan. In addition to surgery, other treatments may include:

• Radiation therapy: We use a variety of radiation therapy techniques to disrupt cancer cell growth. Experienced specialists called radiation oncologists deliver focused treatments that treat cancer. Our methods decrease side effects that can impact your ability to swallow. Read more about radiation therapy.
• Chemotherapy: You receive chemotherapy drugs that destroy cancer cells and may prevent new ones from forming.

In addition to cancer treatments, you may need additional supportive services to help you during your treatment journey. These services include:

• Speech therapy: Our experienced therapists help you cope with speaking or swallowing difficulties. Get more information about speech therapy during cancer treatment.
• Nutrition therapy: Dietitians can recommend a special diet or other methods for getting necessary nutrition if eating becomes challenging.

Research and Clinical Trials

Our cancer research activities give eligible patients access to new care methods through clinical trials. Mays Cancer Center offers trials in many aspects of care, including testing, treatments and survivorship. Explore cancer research and clinical trials.