General Medical Information

The Treatment of Oropharyngeal Cancer

HADI SEIKALY
CHRISTOPHER H. RASSEKH

The treatment of oropharyngeal cancer patients is complex, and a team including a head and neck surgeon, reconstructive surgeon, radiation oncologist, medical oncologist, prosthodontist, and speech and language pathologist offers the patient the best opportunity for a comprehensive treatment plan. The surgeon must consider an array of factors when deciding on the optimal regimen for the individual patient. These include the type of treatment needed for the primary tumor and the neck, reconstructive options, the general medical condition of the patient, and, most important, the patient’s preferences. The availability of facilities, expertise, and social support also play a role. All patients should be counseled and aided in cessation of smoking and alcohol consumption at the time of diagnosis.