ear, nose, and throat disorders
Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Key Points
Most cases of oropharyngeal cancer are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer depend on the location of the tumor; a neck mass is a common finding. Diagnose oropharyngeal cancer with laryngoscopy, operative endoscopy, and imaging studies for staging. Treat oropharyngeal cancer with transoral laser microsurgery or transoral robotic surgery when possible as alternatives to open surgery. Use radiation therapy, sometimes combined with chemotherapy for advanced cancers, as primary treatment or postoperatively. 