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Oropharyngeal cancer is a malignant tumor occurring in the oropharynx (including the soft palate, base of the tongue, tonsils, and posterior pharyngeal wall), mainly squamous cell carcinoma. It predominantly affects men over 50, but in recent years the incidence has been rising in younger groups, especially among those infected with HPV, who face significantly higher risks.
Globally, oropharyngeal cancer incidence is higher in North America, Western Europe, and Australia. In Southeast Asian countries such as the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and southern China, high rates of smoking and alcohol consumption and poor oral hygiene also contribute to elevated prevalence. Advanced oropharyngeal cancer often causes tumor metastasis affecting breathing and swallowing, threatening life.
Stage I: Localized lesion, high survival rate
Stage I oropharyngeal cancer tumors are small and confined to the mucosal layer of the oropharynx, without invasion into deeper tissues or lymph nodes. Patients often present only with mild foreign body sensation or brief sore throat. If surgically removed in time, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 80%.
Stage II: Tumor enlargement without widespread metastasis
At this stage, the lesion enlarges but remains confined to the oropharynx, sometimes involving local lymph nodes. Symptoms worsen, including persistent throat discomfort or swallowing difficulties. The 5-year survival rate is about 60%--70%, requiring combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy to control disease.
Stage III: Significant regional lymph node metastasis
The tumor has invaded deeper structures and spread to unilateral cervical lymph nodes, with symptoms such as hoarseness, severe swallowing pain, and tinnitus. The 5-year survival rate drops to 40%--50%, with comprehensive treatment (radiotherapy + surgery + cell therapy) being the mainstay.
Stage IV: Extensive metastasis, poor prognosis
Stage IV oropharyngeal cancer manifests as distant metastasis to the lungs, bones, liver, etc. Large throat masses cause complete swallowing obstruction and breathing difficulties. The 5-year survival rate is below 30%, and treatment focuses on symptom relief and life extension.
1. Persistent throat foreign body sensation
An early symptom is the constant feeling of obstruction in the throat, similar to phlegm stuck, especially noticeable when swallowing saliva. Often misdiagnosed as chronic pharyngitis, leading to delayed diagnosis.
2. Difficulty or pain when swallowing
As the tumor grows and compresses the esophagus or tongue base, swallowing food becomes painful, particularly with hard food or hot drinks. In severe cases, even water is difficult to swallow.
3. Persistent unilateral throat pain
Pain often localizes to one side of the throat and radiates to the ear on the same side, known as "referred pain." This differs from symmetrical pain in ordinary pharyngitis and is typical of middle-to-late stages.
4. Voice changes or hoarseness
If the tumor involves the vocal cords, patients develop hoarseness and vocal fatigue. This symptom, especially in long-term smokers, should raise suspicion of tumor invasion or compression.
5. Mass in the mouth or throat
Some patients can feel irregular, rough, and hard lumps in the tonsil or tongue base region. As the mass enlarges, it can restrict mouth opening.
6. Tinnitus or unilateral hearing loss
Tumors near the Eustachian tube opening can cause middle ear effusion, ear pressure, and hearing loss, manifesting as persistent tinnitus or blockage, often mistaken for ear disease.
7. Enlarged cervical lymph nodes
Once metastasized to cervical lymph nodes, hard, immobile neck lumps appear, usually painless. In late stages, multiple enlarged nodes may coalesce.
8. Restricted breathing and worsening snoring
Tumors of the tongue base or posterior pharyngeal wall may compress the airway, causing airflow obstruction, evident as worsening nighttime snoring and shortness of breath, with severe cases experiencing daytime breathing difficulties.
9. Halitosis and ulcer exudate
Necrosis or infection often occurs on tumor surfaces, producing foul-smelling secretions. Patients complain of strong oral odor; examination reveals non-healing ulcers with leukoplakia or erythroplakia.
10. Mental state and weight changes
Advanced patients often experience fatigue, lethargy, and rapid weight loss. Due to eating difficulties, malnutrition, and excessive tumor metabolism, the body gradually weakens.
Oropharyngeal cancer develops insidiously and is often misdiagnosed as throat inflammation in its early stages, delaying optimal treatment timing. Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that persistent throat discomfort, unilateral tinnitus, or swallowing difficulties warrant early diagnostic procedures such as nasopharyngoscopy and HPV screening. Comprehensive interventions, including immune reconstruction cell therapy, can effectively extend survival and improve quality of life.
