We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Symptoms of Oropharyngeal Cancer?

By A. Gamm
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,020
Share

Oropharyngeal cancer is a cancer that affects the mid-section of the pharynx, which includes the oft pallet, or the back or the mouth, the back of the tongue, the tonsils and the pharynx walls. It mostly affects men over the age of 60, especially those of African descent. It is vital to alert a health care professional if any symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer arise so that a timely treatment may be planned. The most common symptoms include a lump on the throat or at back of the mouth, a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, ear aches and weight loss.

The first symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer are usually a lump on the side of the throat, inside the throat, or inside the mouth, which is typically followed by throat pain. A large lump on the side of the throat may indicate that the cancer has already spread to at least one lymph node. A persistent sore throat is another sign and is usually coupled with coughing. It is normal for pain to be on only one side of the throat — especially when swallowing — and for the pain to also be felt in the ear. This is because the nerve endings in the ear go down the same pathways in the throat, which may cause referred pain.

It is common for a person who suspects he or she may have oropharyngeal cancer to experience difficulty swallowing. This is usually due to the cancer blocking the esophagus or simply pain. If there is a blockage present, another symptom of oropharyngeal cancer may also be a change in voice. The voice may sound more muffled and dull, which doctors commonly call “hot potato.” Other common oropharyngeal cancer signs and symptoms include unexplained and sudden weight loss, Leukoplakia or Erythroplakia, which is white or red spots in the oropharynx. The jaw may also swell or become very difficult to move around. On rare occasions, the teeth may appear to feel loose.

Some of these symptoms are not exclusive signs of oropharyngeal cancer, but may also be related to other serious health condition. As such, most medical professionals highly recommend seeking medical attention when the first symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer appear. Treatment for oropharyngeal cancer is normally dependent on the patient’s age, and more importantly, how advanced the cancer is. Once oropharyngeal cancer has been confirmed, a doctor may present a variety of treatments that are suited for each particular case.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-symptoms-of-oropharyngeal-cancer.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.