Malignant Tumors of the Oropharynx

They combine tumors of the palatine tonsils, the root of the tongue and the posterior wall of the pharynx. Squamous cell carcinoma predominates; lymphoepitheliomas and undifferentiated forms of cancer also occur. The first symptoms of the disease are persistent pain radiating into the ear and difficulty swallowing.

Sometimes the patient discovers a dense, lumpy tumor in the tonsils. The timbre of the voice may change due to damage to the soft palate. Oropharyngeal tumors aggressively metastasize to the submandibular and maxillary lymph nodes.

The main method of treatment is radiation therapy. Surgery is warranted for small tumors as an adjunct to radiation therapy. For common forms of the disease, chemotherapy is advisable (cisplatin, Adriamycin, fluorouracil, methotrexate, bleomycin, spirobromine, prospidin, etc.).