We Need to Talk More About This Cancer
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER? If the answer is no, you are not alone. A recent study shows that the incidence and mortality of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma have risen steadily over the last two decades among men in the United States.
Today we talk basics: What is oropharyngeal cancer? Why do people get it, and why is it on the rise? I will end with some good news regarding management and prognosis.
Oropharynx basics
The oropharynx includes the soft palate, throat (side and back walls), tonsils, and the back third of the tongue.
There are three types of cancer of the oropharynx, including 1) ones driven by human papillomavirus (HPV-positive); 2) those associated with the use of tobacco or alcohol (or both); and 3) HPV-positive tumors in those with a history of significant smoking or alcohol.
Human papilloma virus (HPV)
Did you know that human papillomavirus or HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States? Of the over 150 types of HPV, approximately 40 can spread via direct contact to genital areas or the mouth and throat.
