Head and neck cancers are very common in India. Among these, oropharyngeal cancer has 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 a visible mass on the neck, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, muffled voice, and sore throat.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr AK Dewan, director of surgical oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, said, “Despite being rare, a notable aspect of oropharyngeal cancers in India is their association with human papillomavirus (HPV), which accounts for 22% of these cases. This is different from Western countries, where HPV accounts for 70-80% of oropharyngeal cancers. Generally, more than 90% of head and neck cancers are tobacco-related, especially oral cavity cancers. But the rate of HPV infection leading to cancer is increasing.”
Also Read: Oral cancer: Causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment
HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms
HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers often present with large cystic nodes in the neck and relatively small primary tumors in the oropharynx. Persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and enlargement of neck nodes are some other symptoms of this cancer.
Also read: Oral Cavity Cancer: Know how deadly mouth cancer can be
HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer: Treatment Options
Treatment options for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer include robot-assisted surgery and reconstructive surgery. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy may also help reduce damage to nearby areas and improve quality of life.
Head and neck cancers are very common in India. Among these, oropharyngeal cancer has 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 a visible mass on the neck, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, muffled voice, and sore throat.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr AK Dewan, director of surgical oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, said, “Despite being rare, a notable aspect of oropharyngeal cancers in India is their association with human papillomavirus (HPV), which accounts for 22% of these cases. This is different from Western countries, where HPV accounts for 70-80% of oropharyngeal cancers. Generally, more than 90% of head and neck cancers are tobacco-related, especially oral cavity cancers. But the rate of HPV infection leading to cancer is increasing.”
Also Read: Oral cancer: Causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment
HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer: Symptoms
HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers often present with large cystic nodes in the neck and relatively small primary tumors in the oropharynx. Persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and enlargement of neck nodes are some other symptoms of this cancer.
HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer: Treatment Options
Treatment options for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer include robot-assisted surgery and reconstructive surgery. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy may also help reduce damage to nearby areas and improve quality of life.
HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer: Prevention Tips
“Preventive measures against HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer are focused on educating the public, especially young people, about sexual hygiene and the potential risks associated with HPV infection. Regular screening is recommended for high-risk individuals, although current guidelines in India do not support routine HPV vaccination for boys to prevent oropharyngeal cancer, while there are established recommendations to prevent cervical cancer in women using vaccines such as Gardasil-9 and Cervirx,” said Dr. A.K. Dewan.
