Head and neck cancers are rampant in India. Among that, oropharyngeal cancer have seen a recent surge. Oropharyngeal cancer refers to the type of head and neck cancer that affects the middle part of the pharynx called the oropharynx.
Some of the common symptoms of Oropharyngeal cancer are visible neck mass, difficulty in swallowing, ear pain, muffled voice and sore throat. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. A.
K. Dewan, director, Surgical Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, said, “Despite their rarity, a notable aspect of oropharyngeal cancers in India is their association with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which accounts for 22% of these cases. This contrasts with Western countries where HPV is responsible for 70-80% of oropharyngeal cancers.
Generally, head and neck cancer is more than 90% tobacco-related, especially oral cavity cancer. But HPV infection rates leading to cancer are on increasing trend.” ALSO READ: Oral cancer: Causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer: Symptoms Oropharyngeal cancers linked to HPV often present with large cystic nodes in the neck and a relatively smaller primary tumor in the oropharynx.
Persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and enlarged neck nodes are some of the other symptoms of this cancer. ALSO READ: Oral cavity cancer: Here’s how deadly mouth cancer can be HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer: Treatment options Treatment options for HPV-related oropharyngeal cance.