Squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx

Squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (also called oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, or OPSCC) is a type of cancer that starts in the oropharynx — the middle part of the throat. This includes the base of the tongue, the soft palate (the back part of the roof of the mouth), the tonsils, and the back wall of the throat. The cancer grows from flat, thin cells called squamous cells that line these surfaces. This cancer can cause a range of symptoms depending on where exactly it starts. Common signs include a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck, ear pain, and changes in the voice. Many people first notice a painless lump in the neck, which happens when cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes. Because these symptoms can seem like everyday problems, the cancer is sometimes found at a later stage. There are two main causes of this cancer. One is long-term use of tobacco and alcohol. The other — and now the most common cause in many countries — is infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), especially HPV type 16. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer tends to affect younger, non-smoking adults and generally responds better to treatment. Treatment usually involves surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these. Newer targeted therapies and immunotherapy drugs are also being used. With modern treatment, many people — especially those with HPV-related disease — have good outcomes.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.Is my cancer HPV-positive or HPV-negative, and how does that affect my treatment and prognosis?,What stage is my cancer, and what does that mean for my treatment options?,What are the likely side effects of treatment, and how can we manage them?,Is there a clinical trial I might be eligible for, especially one looking at reducing treatment intensity?,Will I need a feeding tube during treatment, and how long might I need it?,What follow-up schedule do you recommend after treatment to check for recurrence?,Should my family members be concerned about their own cancer risk, and should they be screened?

Common questions about Squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx

Related conditions

Other rare diseases commonly researched alongside Squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx.

• Nasopharyngeal carcinoma→
• Squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx→
• Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity→