Oropharangeal Tumors

Oropharangeal Tumors: The oropharynx is a challenging area because of its intricate anatomy and implications for speech, swallowing and breathing. Tumors of this area are usually malignant (squamous cell carcinoma) and are treated by surgery, radiation and chemotherapy or combinations of the above. There is a steep worldwide rise in oral and oropharyngeal cancers because of their strong association with the HPV virus (in addition to smoking and alcohol mainly). A careful study of the tumor location, extent and patient overall health status will performed by our team of experts and the best treatment will be designed after a multi-disciplinary tumor board discussion that includes oncologists, radiation therapists, radiologists, pathologists, speech and swallowing therapists, reconstructive and the Head and Neck surgeons who coordinate the team. This group includes tumors of the tonsils, tongue base, palate and pharynx. Surgeries offered for this area include:

• Wide field or radical tonsillectomy
• Partial or total palatectomy
• Pharyngectomy, laryngopharyngectomy
• Tongue base resection, partial or total glossectomy

(*) These procedures can be performed through an open approach with neck incisions or, in carefully selected cases, endoscopically using robotic surgery or LASER endoscopic resection. These techniques include no skin incisions and result in better speech and swallowing functions with a shorter hospital stay