In India, head and neck cancers are very common. Oropharyngeal cancer has become more prevalent recently among them. The term “oropharyngeal cancer” describes a type of head and neck cancer that affects the oropharynx, which is the middle portion of the pharynx. Oropharyngeal cancer frequently manifests as a visible neck mass, swallowing difficulties, ear pain, muffled voice, and sore throat.
Dr. A. K. Dewan, director of surgical oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, stated in an interview with HT Lifestyle that although oropharyngeal cancers are uncommon, a noteworthy feature of these cases in India is their association with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is responsible for 22% of them. In contrast, 70–80% of oropharyngeal cancers in Western nations are caused by HPV. Over 90% of head and neck cancers, particularly those that affect the oral cavity, are linked to tobacco use. However, there is a rising trend in the incidence of HPV infection-related cancer.
HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers frequently show up as a relatively small primary tumour in the oropharynx and large cystic nodes in the neck. Other symptoms of this cancer include enlarged neck nodes, swallowing difficulties, and a persistent sore throat.
