NCIt synonyms : Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx; Epidermoid Carcinoma of Oropharynx; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Oropharynx; Oropharyngeal Epidermoid Carcinoma; Epidermoid Carcinoma of the Oropharynx; OPSCC;
NCIt related terms : Oropharyngeal Throat Squamous Cell Cancer;
NCIt definition : A squamous cell carcinoma arising from the oropharynx. It predominantly affects adults
in their fifth and sixth decades of life and is associated with alcohol and tobacco
use. Human papillomavirus is present in approximately half of the cases. It is characterized
by a tendency to metastasize early to the lymph nodes. When the tumor is small, patients
are often asymptomatic. Physical examination may reveal erythematous or white lesions
or plaques. The majority of patients present with locally advanced disease. Signs
and symptoms include mucosal ulceration, pain, bleeding, weight loss, neck swelling,
and difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing. Patients may also present with swollen
neck lymph nodes without any symptoms from the oropharyngeal tumor. The most significant
prognostic factors are the size of the tumor and the lymph nodes status.;