Cancer of the oral cavity is divided between oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancer. Oral cancer involves the lips, the cheeks, the gums, the front two-thirds of the tongue, the floor of the mouth, the hard palate or roof of the mouth and the area behind the wisdom teeth. Oropharyngeal cancer develops in the middle part of the throat, directly behind the mouth. The pharynx comprises a hollow tube about 5 inches long. It extends from the area behind the nose to the esophagus. Air and food pass through the pharynx on the way to the windpipe or the esophagus. The oropharynx includes the soft palate the base of the tongue and the tonsils. Cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx most commonly start in the cells lining these areas. This cells are comprised of squamous epithelial tissues. This term denotes cells that are flattened and serve to form a covering, such as in the skin. In the United States, it is estimated that about 30,000 new cases of oral or oropharyngeal cancer are diagnoses each year. Of these, about one third will die. More than 90 percent of cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx are squamous cell carcinomas. In early stages of this disorder, referred to as carcinoma in situ, the cancer cells are localized to the superficial layers of the throats lining…When the cancer becomes invasive, the cancer has spread into deeper layers of the oral cavity or oropharynx. Verrucous carcinoma is a type of squamous cell carcinoma that makes up less than 5 percent of all oral cavity tumors. It is usually localized and has been associated with Human papilloma virus infection. It tends to destroy surrounding tissue.
Causes of Carcinoma Of The Oropharynx
There are a number of factors that present risks for developing oral and oropharyngeal cancer. These include tobacco, alcohol, human papillomavirus, ultraviolet light, vitamin A deficiency and immune system suppression. Smoking or chewing tobacco is the greatest risk factor for developing oral cancer. The risk increases the longer a tobacco habit persists. These individuals may frequently develop other cancers involving the lung, head and neck. Pipe smoking carries a significant risk for cancers in the part of the lips that contact the pipe-stem. Chewing tobacco is associated with cancers of the cheek, gums and inner surface of the lips. About 75 to 80 percent of all patients with oral cancer consume alcohol frequently, and oral and oropharyngeal cancers are about six times more common in drinkers than in nondrinkers. People who smoke and drink alcohol have a much higher risk of cancer than those using alcohol or tobacco alone. It is likely that these substances either directly or indirectly damage the DNA of the epithelial cells. Human papilloma virus may contribute to the development of some oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers. This is especially true in individuals who have other risk factors. More than 30 percent of patients with cancers of the lip have occupations associated with prolonged sunlight exposure. Many of these patients are fair-skinned with light hair and blue eyes. Vitamin A deficiency is associated with an increased risk of developing cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx. People taking immunosuppressive drugs to treat immune-system diseases or to prevent rejection of transplanted organs may be at increased risk for cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx.
Signs and Symptoms of Carcinoma Of The Oropharynx
A sore in the mouth that does not heal is the most common symptoms of oral cancer. Those afflicted with this disorder may describe a lump or thickening in the cheek. Other common symptoms of oral and oropharyngeal cancer include a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil or lining of the mouth. Difficulty swallowing, difficulty chewing or problems moving the tongue and jaw may also occur. Persistent sore throat may also be a harbinger of cancer of the throat. When the cancer becomes more invasive, it may affect adjacent tissues, including nerves and muscles. Numbness of the tongue or mouth may occur. Pain or loosening of teeth may occur. The voice may change in quality. A lump or mass in the neck may be noted as well as unexplained weight loss.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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