page_title: Oropharyngeal cancer
section_title: Signs and symptoms
hierarchical_section_title: Oropharyngeal cancer / Signs and symptoms
caption_attribution_description: English: 3D medical animation still showing the cancer formation in the tissues of the oropharynx
context_page_description: Oropharyngeal cancer also known as tonsil cancer, is a disease in which abnormal cells with the potential to both grow locally and spread to other parts of the body are found in the tissue of the part of the throat that includes the base of the tongue, the tonsils, the soft palate, and the walls of the pharynx. The two types of oropharyngeal cancers are HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer, which is caused by an oral human papillomavirus infection; and HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer, which is linked to use of alcohol, tobacco, or both.
  OPC is diagnosed by biopsy of observed abnormal tissue in the throat. OPC is staged according to the appearance of the abnormal cells on the biopsy coupled with the dimensions and the extent of the abnormal cells found. Treatment is with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy; or some combination of those treatments.
context_section_description: The signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer may include:
  A sore throat that persists for over 2 weeks
  Throat pain or difficulty swallowing
  Unexplained rapid weight loss
  Voice changes (more hoarse)
  Ear pain
  A lump in the back of the throat or mouth
  A lump in the neck
  A dull pain behind the sternum
  Persistent Cough
  Breathing problems
  Hoarseness or other changes in the voice
caption: 3D illustration showing oropharyngeal cancer
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