Treatments for oropharyngeal cancer
If you have oropharyngeal cancer, your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. It will be based on your health and specific information about the cancer. When deciding which treatments to offer for oropharyngeal cancer, your healthcare team will consider:
- the stage of the cancer
- the size and location of the tumour in the oropharynx
- where the cancer has spread
- the best way to maintain swallowing, talking and breathing
- your overall health
- what you prefer or want
Treatments for early stage oropharyngeal cancer
Surgery and radiation are the primary treatments for early stage oropharyngeal cancer.
Treatments for advanced stage oropharyngeal cancer
Surgery and chemoradiation are the primary treatments for advanced oropharyngeal cancer.
Treatments for recurrent oropharyngeal cancer
Treatment of recurrent oropharyngeal cancer depends mainly on where the cancer has come back and what treatments you have already been given.
Surgery for oropharyngeal cancer
Surgery is the primary treatment for oropharyngeal cancer. Learn about wide local excision, neck dissection and other surgeries.
Radiation therapy for oropharyngeal cancer
Radiation therapy is a main treatment used to treat oropharyngeal cancer. It is often combined with chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer
Chemotherapy is used to treat oropharyngeal cancer. Learn how and when chemotherapy is used and what chemotherapy combination drugs are used.
Targeted therapy for oropharyngeal cancer
Targeted therapy may be used for high-risk, advanced or metastatic oropharyngeal cancer.
Immunotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer
Some people wih oropharyngeal cancer may have immunotherapy. Immunotherapy uses natural or artificial substances that change the way cells behave.
Follow-up after treatment for oropharyngeal cancer
Follow-up after oropharyngeal cancer treatment varies. Learn about scheduled follow-up appointments, and the procedures and tests that may be done.