Mouth and Oropharyngeal cancer

Cancer in the oropharynx in particular, especially in the area of the palatine tonsils and the base of the tongue, is associated with HPV infections. Cancers in other regions of the head and neck are only very rarely caused by HPV viruses. Both men and women are affected, with men contracting the disease more frequently.

Cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx are often related to HPV. In the US, HPV DNA (a sign of HPV infection) is found in about 2 out of 3 oropharyngeal cancers. Other risk factors are smoking, high alcohol consumption, an unhealthy diet, exposure to toxic substances (e.g., asbestos) and a significantly weakened immune system, e.g., due to HIV disease.

Malignant tumours of the head and neck region are among the most common types of cancer worldwide Each year, around 12,770 new cases of mouth and oropharyngeal cancer are diagnosed in the US¹.Oral cancer is more common in men than women. Research shows that 1 in 59 men and 1 in 130 women will be diagnosed with oral cancer at some point in their life, with HPV-associated tumours of the oropharynx offering a better prognosis. Oral cancer is more common in men than women. Research shows that 1 in 55 men and 1 in 108 women will be diagnosed with oral cancer at some point in their life., with HPV-associated tumours of the oropharynx offering a better prognosis.

Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer usually include a unilateral foreign body sensation in the throat and/or pain radiating into the ear, bad breath, blood in the saliva/when coughing, unilateral throat swelling, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness and later also weight loss without an identifiable cause. These symptoms can also occur with other illnesses, so a doctor should be consulted if the symptoms persist.

Diagnosis is made through a thorough examination in which tissue samples are taken and tested for a link to HPV infection. Techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) are used to determine the spread of the tumour.

HPV-related oral pharyngeal tumours often develop in the palatine tonsils and the base of the tongue and initially cause no symptoms. There are usually many years between the first HPV infection and the development of the cancer. Oral HPV infections are particularly common between the ages of 25-30. Most people getting head and neck cancers in the UK are older than 55.

Treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Radiochemotherapy is often used after surgery if the tumour could not be completely removed or has spread to lymph nodes. Only in the case of laryngeal cancer is radiotherapy sometimes used to preserve the organ before surgery. After treatment, regular follow-up examinations are important in order to recognize a relapse at an early stage.

Common side effects of treatment for oropharyngeal cancer include impaired swallowing, dry mouth, inflammation of the oral mucosa and changes to the teeth.

Prevention of oral cancer includes avoiding risk factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and HPV infections.