Oropharyngeal Cancer: Main Symptoms

Oropharyngeal cancer is not just related to smoking.  This disease is located in the mouth, tongue, palate and pharynx and is also associated with sunlight or human papilloma virus (HPV). 

Although it does not have a very high incidence, this type of cancer generally affects people over the age of 50. The risk of its occurrence increases with life expectancy and is higher in men.

It is important to recognize the early symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer, as they can be confused with other problems, such as oral herpes, foot-and-mouth disease or other minor inflammations that we have experienced in the past.

The problem is more complex for non-smokers. Many people believe that if they do not smoke, there is no risk of developing this disease, but this is not the case at all. Whether we are smokers or not, we can all suffer from this type of cancer. 

Therefore, it is very important to have as much information as possible to detect oropharyngeal cancer in the early stages.

Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer

Most cases of oropharyngeal cancer develop into carcinomas. Carcinoma is a type of cell that has the appearance of thin, smooth scales. These are not just canker sores.

People who have a weakened immune system and are accustomed to oral infections, canker sores or bleeding gums do not notice the symptoms associated with this disease.

However, if the doctor carefully examines the area of ​​the tongue and pharynx, he can detect irregularities. Subsequently, a biopsy may confirm or disprove the presence of the disease.

Let’s see what the main symptoms are.

Physical changes in the mouth

• The first symptom of oropharyngeal cancer is some.
• These red or white lesions appear on the tongue, gums or lips.
• Pay attention to all the unusual changes that persist for several days and ask for a doctor’s opinion.

Mild pain that intensifies over time

One of the main features of oropharyngeal cancer is that People who have a prosthesis immediately notice that it upsets them and causes them pain or bleeding.

• Talking becomes a painful task. 
• If you move your tongue or touch your jaw, you will feel persistent pain.

• The pain can spread to the ear area.

Feeling of a lump in the throat

Difficulty swallowing, irritation of the tonsils or occasional coughing up blood are symptoms that should not be ignored.

• However, it is important to note that sometimes these inconveniences do not indicate anything serious. Even a pharyngeal tumor can be benign.
• The most important thing is to be diagnosed in time, which is why you need to pay attention to these signs.

Unexplained weight loss

Weight loss is a common symptom of cancer. When it comes to oropharyngeal cancer, patients lose their appetite and cannot chew normally. 

The immune system is weakened, which undoubtedly leads to weight loss.

Can oropharyngeal cancer be prevented?

As we have mentioned many times on our website, no disease can be prevented 100%. Instead, we can control the factors that lead to its development.

This type of cancer is associated with:

• Tobacco
• alcohol
• Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The one associated with neck cancer (including oropharyngeal cancer) is HPV 16.
• Ultraviolet lights. Lip (lip) cancer is more common among people who work outside and are more exposed to sunlight.
• Improper diet and a weakened immune system.
• Genetic disorders such as Fanconi anemia.

Because we know the causes of the disease, we can pay more attention to our lifestyle. We recommend that you quit smoking, adopt a balanced and diversified diet and use a sunscreen for your skin and lips.

In conclusion, we remind you that the most important thing is not to be afraid. Be brave and go to the doctor for a simple consultation. 

It is worth being careful and not forgetting that health does not tolerate procrastination.