The number of cases of cancer in the tonsils and base of the tongue has increased significantly in recent years.
The disease can be linked to smoking, alcohol, and HPV, and symptoms are often discovered late, according to Netdoktor.
What is cancer in the tonsils and base of the tongue?
This type of cancer develops in the throat around the tonsils and the base of the tongue. The disease most often forms in the mucous membranes in the area.
More men are affected
Three out of four patients with the disease are men. This applies to both HPV-positive and HPV-negative cases.
Symptoms can be difficult to detect
The cancer is often located deep in the tonsils or at the base of the tongue. As a result, the disease rarely causes clear local symptoms in the early stages.
Pain when swallowing can be an important sign
Many people experience pain when swallowing or difficulty swallowing. A sensation of a lump in the throat can also be a symptom.
Swollen lymph nodes may reveal the disease
In HPV-related cancer, the first sign is often swelling in the neck. The swelling is caused by the cancer spreading to the lymph nodes.
Sores and lumps should be examined
If sores or lumps develop on the tonsils or base of the tongue, it is recommended to seek medical attention quickly to determine the cause.
Smoking and alcohol increase the risk
Non-HPV-related cancer is particularly associated with smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. The risk can be reduced by avoiding both.
The HPV vaccine can help prevent the disease
The vaccine protects against more than 96 percent of the HPV types found in HPV-positive cancer of the tonsils and base of the tongue.
Diagnosis is made using tissue samples
Doctors examine the mouth and throat and take tissue samples to determine whether cancer is present.
Many patients also undergo PET/CT scans to determine how far the disease has spread.
Treatment can be demanding
Patients are treated either with radiation and chemotherapy or with robotic surgery. The choice depends, among other things, on how advanced the disease is.
Radiation therapy can cause long-term side effects
Treatment can lead to dry mouth, pain, and difficulty eating. Some patients also experience long-term problems with swallowing and speech.
Robotic surgery may reduce side effects
Robotic surgery is used in some cases because the long-term side effects are often less severe than with radiation and chemotherapy.
The prognosis is best for HPV-related cancer
More than 75 percent of patients with HPV-related cancer are alive after five years. For HPV-negative cancer, the figure is around 40 percent.
Sources: Netdoktor.
