Oropharyngeal Cancer Health Article

Clinical trials

There are a number of clinical trials in progress. For example, the better researchers understand the nature of cancer cells, the better they are able to design drugs that attack only cancer cells. Or, in some cases, drugs that make it easier to kill cancer cells have also been designed.

The Cancer Information Service at the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md., offers information about clinical trials that are looking for volunteers. The Service offers a toll-free number at 1-800-422-6237.

Prevention

Avoiding smoking and avoiding drinking alcohol are important in the prevention of oropharyngeal cancer. Including lots of fruits and vegetables in the diet is also an important step to preventing cancer. (Even though the importance of fruits and vegetables is not proven to prevent oropharyngeal cancer, overall fruits and vegetables are demonstrated cancer fighters.) Carotene, which the body uses to make vitamin A, seems to be important in the diet of people who are less likely to be diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer. Any precaution that is taken to avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases, such as the use of condoms, also offers protection from oropharyngeal cancer.

Special concerns

Growths sometimes develop in the oropharynx that are not cancerous. The benign tumors can be removed by surgery. They usually do not recur. The surgeon should be able to give a patient an accurate appraisal identifying the noncancerous growth, and whether it is likely to indicate future problems.

Oropharyngeal cancer frequently recurs in patients who have been treated for the condition. Thus, after treatment, patients must be examined monthly for one year. They also must be committed to telling their physician if they notice any changes. By the second year, examinations can be at two-month intervals; and then, three-month intervals by the third year and six-month intervals beyond that.

Mouthwash has been suspected as a cancer-causing agent for oropharyngeal cancer. Studies are not conclusive. One line of reasoning suggests alcohol-based mouth-washes add to the effects of alcohol consumed by heavy drinkers. Alcohol-based mouthwashes can be avoided.

See Also Oral cancer; Nasopharyngeal cancer; Smoking cessation

Resources

BOOKS

Atkinson, Lucy Jo and Nancymarie Fortunato. Chapter 36, "Head and Neck Surgery." Berry & Kohn's Operating Room Technique St. Louis: Mosby, 1996.

ORGANIZATIONS

SPOHNC, Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer. P.O. Box 53, Locust Valley, NY 11560-0053. 800-377-0928.<http://www.spohnc.org>.

OTHER

"Oral Cavity and Pharyngeal Cancer" Online text. American Cancer Society. Revised 05/22/2000. 5 July 2001. 5 July 2001 <http://www3.cancer.org>.

Diane M. Calabrese

Biopsy

—Tissue sample is taken from body for examination.

Bronchi

—Branches of the trachea that distribute air to the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs.

Computed tomography (CT)

—X rays are aimed at slices of the body (by rotating equipment) and results are assembled with a computer to give a three-dimensional picture of a structure.

Endoscope

—Instrument designed to allow direct visual inspection of body cavities, a sort of microscope in a long access tube.

Fiberoptics

—Cool, refracted (bounced) light passes (bounces) along extremely small diameter glass tubes. (Used to illuminate body cavities, such as the oropharynx, with high intensity, and almost heatless light.)

Larynx

—Commonly known as the voice box, the place between the pharynx and the trachea where the vocal cords are located.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

—Magnetic fields and radio frequency waves are used to take pictures of the inside of the body.

Salivary glands

—Structures in the mouth that make and release (secrete) saliva that helps with digestion.

Tonsils

—Lymph nodes in the throat that are partly encapsulated (enclosed). They are components of the lymphatic system that functions in immunity and removes the excess fluid around cells and returns it to cells.

Trachea

—Tube ringed with cartilage that connects the larynx with the bronchi.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• In which stage is the cancer?
• What is the outlook for a patient with my profile?
• What are the side effects of the treatments that are recommended? Which treatment gives the best combination of survival and quality of life?
• Is there a clinical trial for which I am eligible?