Dr. Sanjay Hunugundmath, a radiation oncologist from the Hegde Group of Hospitals, discusses oropharyngeal cancer, which is a subtype of head and neck cancers. Following a previous video on oral cavity cancers, this discussion focuses on cancers affecting the oropharynx, including the pharyngeal cancers located near the throat.
Causes Of Oropharyngeal Cancer
The primary etiology of oropharyngeal cancers includes smoking and alcohol consumption, which are the most common risk factors for head and neck cancers. Additionally, the human papillomavirus (HPV) has emerged as a significant cause of oropharyngeal cancers. HPV is the same virus responsible for cervical cancers in females, and it can also cause oropharyngeal cancers in males.
Importance Of Hpv Vaccination
To prevent HPV-related cancers, it is recommended that males receive the HPV vaccine. This vaccination helps reduce the transmission of cervical cancers from females and serves as a preventive measure for oropharyngeal cancers.
Management Of Oropharyngeal Cancer
The management of pharyngeal cancers begins with staging and diagnostic workup, including imaging tests such as CT and MRI scans. These assessments help determine the extent of the spread of cancer.
Treatment Approaches
In contrast to oral cavity cancers, where surgery is the cornerstone of treatment, the management of oropharyngeal and pharyngeal cancers typically involves chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Due to the sensitive location of these cancers, surgery may not always be feasible.
Organ Preservation Techniques
When surgery is necessary, it may involve significant procedures, such as the removal of the voice box. Therefore, treatments aim to preserve organs while effectively removing cancerous tissues. This approach is referred to as organ-preserving radiotherapy, which employs advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
Radiation And Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy for head and neck cancers usually spans 30 to 35 sessions, with concurrent weekly administration of a mild chemotherapy agent, typically cisplatin, based on the patient’s weight. While cisplatin may cause some side effects, such as mild weakness and diarrhoea, it generally does not lead to major complications like hair loss or severe fatigue.
Conclusion
Dr. Hunugundmath encourages viewers to reach out with any further questions or comments about oropharyngeal cancer. He emphasises the importance of using advanced techniques in treatment to minimise complications.
About Author
Dr. Shama Shaikh-Surve
General and Laparoscopic Surgeon
Contact: +91 88888 22222
Email – ask@sahyadrihospitals.com
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