Cancers of the mouth

Oropharyngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that affects the oropharynx – the middle part of the throat. This includes the back of the tongue, tonsils, soft palate, and the walls of the throat.

Several risk factors are linked to oropharyngeal cancer:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV-16
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• A weakened immune system
• Age (more common in people over 40)
• Being male (higher risk than females)
  

• Persistent sore throat
• Difficulty swallowin
• A lump in the neck
• Pain in the ear or jaw
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Unexplained weight loss
• A sore or ulcer in the mouth or throat that doesn’t heal
  

If oropharyngeal cancer is suspected, your doctor may arrange:

• Examination by an ENT specialist
• Nasendoscopy (camera through the nose to view the throat)
• Biopsy (removing tissue for analysis)
• Imaging tests such as MRI, CT, or PET scans to assess spread
  

Treatment depends on the stage, location, and whether the cancer is HPV-positive. It may include:

• Surgery  : To remove the tumour, often using robotic or transoral approaches
• Radiotherapy  : High-energy beams used to destroy cancer cells
• Chemotherapy  : Medicines that kill cancer cells or enhance radiotherapy
• Targeted therapy or immunotherapy  : In some advanced or recurrent cases

A multidisciplinary team will help choose the best treatment plan.

Treatment can cause side effects such as:

• Difficulty swallowing or speaking
• Dry mouth
• Taste changes
• Fatigue
• Skin or throat soreness

Rehabilitation support, including speech and swallowing therapy, is often needed.

• Regular follow-up appointments will monitor for recurrence and manage any long-term effects.
• HPV-positive cancers generally have a better prognosis than HPV-negative ones.
• Early diagnosis improves outcomes, so it’s important to seek help promptly if symptoms persist.
  

Being diagnosed with cancer can be overwhelming. Support is available:

• Your clinical nurse specialist (CNS)
• Macmillan Cancer Support: www.macmillan.org.uk
• Cancer Research UK: www.cancerresearchuk.org
• The Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Support Group: www.theswallows.org.uk