What is pharyngitis: symptoms of inflammation of the pharynx, treatment. Diseases of the oropharynx symptoms treatment Inflammatory diseases of the oropharynx. Modern ideas about etiopathogenesis and adequate treatment

Antonio Leeuwenhoek - that was the name of the Delft merchant - is considered the founder of microscopy. It was he who discovered the slipper ciliates, and it was he who first described blood cells and the variety of forms of bacteria.

But then, back in the 17th century, he was incredibly surprised when he first discovered microscopic “little animals” in a decoction of pepper. And he was completely shocked by the discovery that hundreds of such animals lived in his mouth.

Since the time of Antonio Leeuwenhoek, science has made a colossal leap forward, including microbiology. Now it is difficult to surprise someone with the message that thousands of microorganisms live in their mouth. But does every patient think about the harm these microorganisms bring to health?

Meanwhile, we know that infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx (pharyngitis, glossitis, stomatitis and gingivitis) are among the most common reasons for patients to visit local physicians, family doctors and otolaryngologists, which indicates the widespread prevalence of this problem.

The main cause of the development of inflammatory processes in the upper respiratory tract (pharyngitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, etc.) is a viral infection (rhinovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenza, influenza, etc.).

When the oropharynx is affected, adenovirus and rhinovirus infections are most common. The body reacts to the introduction of an infectious agent and disruption of the integrity of the mucous membranes by developing an inflammatory process, which involves a number of protective mechanisms: changes in the permeability of the vascular wall, increased blood flow, increased activity of macrophages and polymorphonuclear cellular elements, release of inflammatory mediators, free oxygen radicals. Macrophages play a major role in the defense mechanism by causing an increase in T-lymphocyte levels through the release of cytokines. Various diseases accompanied by a decrease in local and general body resistance (primary and acquired immunodeficiency conditions, cystic fibrosis, endocrine diseases, etc.). A decrease in local immunity can be caused by local hypothermia of the oropharynx with cold food, drinks or cold air, as well as exposure to various irritating agents (tobacco or other smoke with systematic exposure, dust in the air, the presence of irritating chemicals in the air). When the paranasal sinuses become inflamed, infected secretions can enter the pharynx and stimulate infectious inflammatory processes in it.

With a decrease in immunity, the so-called “transit flora” can acquire the status of “pathogenic”. The “transit flora” includes streptococci, staphylococci, pneumococci, gram-negative diplococci and other microflora that are usually sown normally in a healthy person.

Pharyngitis

Pharyngitis is divided into acute and chronic. Acute pharyngitis is an infectious inflammation of the mucous membrane of the oropharynx and palatine tonsils. With favorable development, acute pharyngitis may resolve spontaneously, without medical intervention. But most often acute pharyngitis is accompanied by the development of inflammatory and sometimes purulent processes in adjacent tissues. The main complaints of patients with acute damage to the mucous membrane of the oropharynx are unpleasant sensations - burning, tingling, dryness, pain when swallowing; headache localized in the occipital region. Children often experience difficulty breathing and nasal sounds. In adults, this disease occurs without a sharp deterioration in the general condition, and in children it can occur with a sharp increase in temperature up to 39°C. Especially in cases where inflammation spreads to the larynx and trachea. Acute pharyngitis is characterized by enlargement and tenderness of the cervical and occipital lymph nodes. When examining the patient, hyperemia of the posterior wall of the pharynx and palatine arches, individual inflamed lymphoid granules are detected, but there are no signs of inflammation of the tonsils characteristic of tonsillitis.

Chronic pharyngitis, unlike acute pharyngitis, as a rule, is of a bacterial nature, less often fungal. This is a polyetiological disease characterized by the presence of inflammatory and degenerative changes in the pharyngeal mucosa. Chronic pharyngitis is characterized by complaints of dryness, soreness, soreness and the sensation of a foreign body in the throat, often a dry cough and the formation of viscous sputum, and fever. A significant deterioration in general condition is rare in patients with chronic pharyngitis. When making a diagnosis, the pharyngoscopy picture is taken into account. The development of chronic pharyngitis is associated with the harmful effects of irritating factors such as alcohol, nicotine, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, and various adverse industrial and climatic influences. The formation of the disease is facilitated by pathological conditions of the nasal cavity, leading to impaired nasal breathing - deviated nasal septum, vasomotor and hypertrophic rhinitis, nasal polyposis, adenoids. The cause of chronic pharyngitis can be recurrent respiratory tract infections, leading to persistent damage to the mucociliary barrier and significant inhibition of the mechanisms of local and general immunity. Atrophic pharyngitis is a consequence of progressive atrophy of the pharyngeal mucosa in elderly people.

Gingitis and periodontitis

An imbalance in the oral defense system can cause inflammation of the gum mucosa - gingivitis. When inflammation spreads from the gum margin to the tissue surrounding the teeth, gingivitis turns into periodontitis, which can subsequently lead to inflammation of the bone tissue, loosening and tooth loss. In patients over 15 years of age, in 50% of cases, the cause of tooth loss is periodontopathies. With gingivitis, the gums become inflamed, swelling occurs, and its contour changes. Due to swelling, the gingival groove between the teeth deepens, and a so-called gingival pocket is formed. As a result, redness of the gingival margin, swelling and bleeding of the gums occur, it becomes sensitive and painful, and there are difficulties in chewing and swallowing. Gingivitis can be either acute or chronic. Chronic gingivitis is more common in adults.

Stomatitis

Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity include stomatitis - inflammation of the oral mucosa. According to clinical manifestations, stomatitis is divided into catarrhal, ulcerative and aphthous. The most common cause of stomatitis is poor oral hygiene, dental disease, dental plaque, oral dysbacteriosis, as well as gastrointestinal diseases (gastritis, duodenitis, colitis, etc.). Aphthous stomatitis is characterized by a connection with allergic reactions, viral infections, and rheumatism. Depending on the severity and form of the disease, patients complain of pain in the oral cavity and pharynx, severe pain when chewing, and swallowing articulation. Sometimes there is an increase in body temperature up to 37.5°C, an increase in regional lymph nodes, malaise, and headache. Upon examination, defects in the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and tongue are determined.

Treatment: general principles

Therapeutic tactics for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and pharynx include the prescription of drugs with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunocorrective effects, local antiseptics, decongestants and hyposensitizing drugs. In the complex of therapeutic measures, an important role is played by drugs that have a combined effect.

What exactly is the treatment?

So, a specialist treating a patient with an inflammatory disease of the oral cavity and pharynx has the main mission: choosing the most effective drug. The speed and effectiveness of the therapy depends on this choice.

Scientific information

Causes of inflammatory processes in the oral cavity

1. Traumatic inflammation. Trauma can be mechanical, chemical or physical, acute or long-term.
2. Infectious inflammatory processes (viral, bacterial, fungal infections).
3. Allergic reactions accompanied by swelling and inflammation of the oral mucosa.
4. Inflammation of the mucous membrane in systemic diseases: hypo- and avitaminosis, endocrine diseases, diseases of the blood system, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, etc.

HEXETIDINE

Broad-spectrum antiseptic against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. Bactericide for anaerobic bacteria. Bacteriostatic for most bacterial strains at a concentration of 100 mg/ml. Fungicide against fungi of the genus Blastomycetes, Trichophyton, Histoplasma, Microsporum. Inhibits the growth and reproduction of more than 40 strains of fungi of the genus Candida. Weak analgesic.

An undeniable advantage of hexetidine, in addition to its wide spectrum of action, is a high degree of adhesion to the mucous membrane of the oropharynx. At the same time, in the absence of absorption, hexetidine has a long-lasting effect (active concentrations of hexetidine on the mucous membranes persist for hours after a single use).

CHOLINE SALICYLATE

A powerful analgesic and antipyretic, a derivative of salicylic acid. It blocks the enzymes COX-1 and COX-2, inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, due to which it has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. Inhibits the activation of macrophages and neutrophils, exhibiting an anti-edematous effect. It has antipyretic and analgesic effects. Indispensable in the treatment of diseases of the oropharynx, accompanied by an increase in local temperature, severe inflammation, swelling and pain. It is well absorbed from the mucous membrane and has a quick effect.

CHLOROBUTANOL

A fast-acting local anesthetic, a reliable tool in the arsenal of dentists and otolaryngologists. It has additional properties: antibacterial and antifungal effects. Helps enhance the analgesic effect in combination with hexetidine and choline salicylate.

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Diseases of the oropharynx

The most common cause of oropharyngeal disease is various infections. Their most popular consequences are tonsillitis (more scientifically - acute tonsillitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis. The article contains recommendations from doctors on how not to harm yourself with these diseases, but, on the contrary, to help the body get healthier faster.

Sore throat causes inflammation of the tonsils. In addition to a sore throat, she is accompanied by aches throughout the body, weakness and a high temperature of 38 degrees.

A person wakes up in the morning relatively cheerful, but by the evening he usually “loses.” The disease has many varieties: catarrhal (red throat), follicular (purulent follicles on the tonsils), lacunar (pus in the lacunae), aphthous (rash on the tonsils in the form of white or pinkish ulcers), herpetic (rash on the tonsils in the form of blisters).

Laryngitis is inflammation of the laryngeal mucosa. Symptoms are soreness and redness, a slightly elevated (about 37.5°C) temperature and - a distinctive feature - hoarse, heavy breathing and a hoarse voice. The patient's condition is worse in the morning, immediately after waking up.

Pharyngitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx. It is accompanied by redness, soreness, the same as with laryngitis, a slightly elevated temperature, and often a dry, painful cough.

Treatment is prescribed by a doctor. Warm rinses and grandma's recipes will not help. Untreated diseases can lead to all sorts of complications. But standard recommendations for diseases of the oropharynx are the same for everyone.

Inflammation of the oropharynx. Dos and don'ts during treatment

If you have inflammation of the oropharynx, you should not:

That is, talk long and loudly. Communication should be kept to a minimum. Listen more. Shorten your answers. As the signalmen say, switch to information receiving mode.

2. Eat salty, chocolate, spicy and even healthy citrus fruits. All of these foods irritate the oropharynx. You should also avoid hard foods: crackers, cookies. It is best to eat porridge, light broths, and baked vegetables.

3. Drink excessively hot drinks.

They will not warm the throat, but will only further injure the mucous membrane.

4. At elevated temperatures, drink a lot of milk.

Protein dishes in such a situation can increase intoxication of the body.

5. Gargle with water, baking soda and iodine.

This disinfectant solution will only be beneficial for purulent sore throat. In other cases, it will only irritate the throat mucosa.

Inflammation of the oropharynx requires bed rest and, ideally, cessation of communication above.

7. Self-prescribe antibiotics.

8. Postpone calling a doctor if your sore throat is accompanied by a headache, high fever, vomiting or rash.

For inflammation of the oropharynx, you can and should:

1. Relieve pain using local remedies - special lozenges or sprays.

2. Take complex vitamins to strengthen your immune system.

3. Ventilate the room. This will help you fall asleep faster and sleep better at night.

4. Drink warm drinks with vitamin C and honey as often as possible (if you are not allergic to the latter).

It has a healing and disinfecting effect. It will be useful to include extracts of hawthorn and rose hips in the composition of such drinks.

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The most common throat diseases: symptoms and treatment

Each of us at least once in our lives has encountered such an unpleasant symptom as a sore throat. Some people immediately begin treatment and take antibiotics, while others simply ignore the discomfort and wait for other symptoms of the disease to appear or for everything to go away on its own.

The causes of a sore throat can be different; in order to prevent serious consequences, you need to have an idea of ​​what diseases of the throat and larynx exist, what their signs and symptoms are, and what needs to be done for a speedy recovery.

The most common diseases of the throat and larynx with descriptions

Types of diseases of the throat and larynx can be divided into several groups:

• Viral and bacterial are the most common diseases today, the causative agents of which are bacteria and viruses.
• Fungal diseases are diseases that appear as a result of very active reproduction of mold and yeast-like fungi. Most often they are expressed through sore throat, laryngitis or pharyngitis. With fungal infections there is always a coating of cheesy mass, severe sore throat, but without fever. Usually, mycosis occurs as a result of decreased immunity, vitamin deficiency, courses of antibiotic therapy or treatment with hormonal medications. Problems with the gastrointestinal tract can also lead to the appearance of mycosis.
• Tumor diseases are diseases of the larynx and throat that can be caused by tumor processes in the body. The tumor is primary, when it first forms in the larynx, and secondary, when it manifests itself as metastases from cancer of other organs. In this case, patients may feel a “lump in the throat,” the presence of a foreign body, and difficulty swallowing food. The voice may also change, becoming hoarse and hoarse.
• Externally caused diseases are diseases caused by an allergy to irritating substances in the environment or a reaction to very dry air.

ARVI and flu - the throat may feel dry, sore and painful when swallowing, hoarseness, sneezing, cough, runny nose, body aches. The temperature often does not rise above 38 0C. Taking antibiotics in this case is completely ineffective, since these drugs are designed to fight bacteria, not viruses.

For acute respiratory viral infections, it is worth taking antiviral drugs and/or immunomodulators. To relieve the symptoms of ARVI, gargle with chamomile and sage decoctions, which relieve inflammation well. And also purchase sprays with a mild analgesic effect or lozenges with eucalyptus and sage.

Support your immune system with vitamin C and drink plenty of warm, but not hot, liquids. Compotes with rose hips, honey, and herbal teas are well suited for these purposes.

Adenoiditis is a disease that occurs as a consequence of a viral infection that affects the pharyngeal tonsil. Symptoms include severe headaches, sore throat, breathing problems, and purulent runny nose. If the disease is not diagnosed in time, it can develop into otitis media, tonsillitis, and sinusitis.

To treat adenoiditis, rinsing the nasopharynx with antiseptic solutions and laser exposure are used. In severe cases, it may lead to surgery.

Throat diseases and larynx diseases

Infectious mononucleosis, or herpes virus type IV, has similar symptoms, and a sore throat can be combined with loss of energy, headache, nausea, and fever. Then signs appear like a sore throat, the cervical lymph nodes become swollen, nasal breathing becomes difficult, and the timbre of the voice changes. The palatine and nasopharyngeal tonsils become covered with plaque. Sometimes a yellowish tint of the skin and a rash may appear.

It is transmitted by airborne droplets, more often in closed groups, for example, kindergartens, and remains in the body throughout life; with a decrease in immunity, a relapse of the disease can occur. Only a doctor can prescribe the correct treatment, and only he can assess the advisability of taking antibiotics.

Sore throat is one of the most common ailments. Most often it occurs due to streptococcus, less often mycoplasma, chlamydia, gonococcus or tuberculosis bacillus.

The onset of the disease is most often manifested by high fever and very severe sore throat. The larynx is red and inflamed, the tonsils are coated with white. Often accompanied by joint pain and migraine.

Keep in mind that antibiotic treatment cannot be avoided for this disease, otherwise there can be very serious complications. If you suspect you have a sore throat, seek help from a doctor as soon as possible. Among the medications prescribed, broad-spectrum antibiotics or based on bacterial culture, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs.

If you have a sore throat, you should stay in bed; it is recommended to eat pureed soft food and drink plenty of warm liquids. If you want to get better quickly and relieve inflammation, then use rinses with decoctions of sage, linden, chamomile, solutions of miramistin and furatsilin.

You can also use stronger agents, for example, a 1% solution of iodinol, a solution of hydrogen peroxide, a solution of potassium permanganate, a solution of boric acid, and calendula tincture. This will help quickly relieve sore throat and cleanse the mucous membrane.

It is effective to use inhalations with herbal decoctions, such as chamomile, eucalyptus, Siberian elderberry, and marigold flowers. And for enlarged lymph nodes, compresses with alcohol, menovazine, novocaine and menthol will be very useful.

Chronic diseases of the larynx and throat

Chronic tonsillitis is a chronic inflammation of the tonsils. Both adults and children suffer from it, and the cause is most often repeated sore throats, acute respiratory infections or diseases such as scarlet fever, diphtheria and measles. When nasal breathing is persistently impaired, immunity is low, sinusitis, rhinitis and sinusitis occur very often, then the risk of developing chronic tonsillitis is high.

During an exacerbation of the disease, the same treatment is prescribed as for angina. But in order to completely get rid of this scourge, it is necessary to cure, first of all, the ailments that contribute to the appearance of chronic tonsillitis.

• Scarlet fever - the disease begins with severe inflammation and redness of the throat. The temperature rises and the child may refuse to eat. The difference between scarlet fever and ARVI will be a gray-yellow coating on the tongue at the beginning of the disease; on the second or third day of the disease, the coating disappears and the tip of the tongue becomes crimson. Within two days, a pink rash appears on the body, which then turns red and acquires a burgundy hue. Most often, the disease is treated at home with antibiotics and bed rest. Remember that within 7-10 days a sick child can infect others, so you should limit his contact with other people.
• Diphtheria is a disease that can come in different forms. There are diphtheria of the larynx, croup and pharynx. In most cases, the onset of the disease is expressed by swelling of the larynx and nasopharynx, sore throat, runny nose, headache, nausea, difficulty breathing, and enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Diphtheria is often confused with tonsillitis, as they have a number of common symptoms, such as fever, headache, pain when swallowing, red tonsils or yellowish pustules in follicular tonsillitis.
• The main difference between a sore throat and diphtheria is that in the first case the pain when swallowing is very strong, and in the second the pain is much weaker. With diphtheria, there is a very strong enlargement of the lymph nodes, up to swelling of the neck. With a sore throat, after a couple of days the temperature subsides, and the pain in the throat and larynx goes away, but during diphtheria the temperature constantly rises and the patient’s condition becomes worse and worse.
• Today, diphtheria is much less common, but requires its exclusion when making an accurate diagnosis. Treatment of diphtheria is possible only with the help of antitoxic anti-diphtheria serum and antibiotics; sometimes the administration of corticosteroid drugs is required. In any case, only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment; self-medication in this case is unacceptable.

Rare diseases that cause a sore throat

Epiglottitis is a very rare disease, most often found in children under 4 years of age. It is very dangerous because it can lead to obstruction of the airways. The disease manifests itself as pain in the larynx and throat, fever, drooling and nasal congestion; a characteristic feature is hyperemia and swelling of the epiglottis.

Lips and fingertips may turn blue. To breathe, the patient has to stretch his neck, open his mouth and stick out his tongue. The disease is caused by Haemophilus influenzae, which causes meningitis and pneumonia.

The disease can be diagnosed and treated only in a hospital setting. And the sooner the correct diagnosis is made, the better for the patient, since the disease develops rapidly and can be fatal.

Frequent illnesses with sore throat

Pharyngitis is a disease that is accompanied by a feeling of dryness in the throat, dry cough, stabbing pain in the larynx, and soreness. During swallowing and when trying to open your mouth wide, the pain intensifies. There may be discomfort, similar to a lump in the throat. The mucous membrane in the throat is red and inflamed, there may be plaque and pus may be released.

Pharyngitis as an independent disease is very rare; more often it appears in combination with inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract in an acute form. Pharyngitis can be catarrhal, atrophic and hypertrophic. In the latter form, the need to splutter and cough is especially acute. In the morning, these processes may even be accompanied by vomiting and nausea.

When treating the disease, exclude hot, spicy, sour foods, and drink plenty of liquids with vitamin content, for example, fruit drinks and compotes. You can rinse your mouth with iodinol, alkaline solutions, lubricate the mucous membrane with a solution of Lugol with glycerin, a solution of collargol and protargol.

But remember that these are only additional methods of treatment, and you cannot avoid visiting a doctor, because the chronic form of pharyngitis appears very easily without proper treatment, and getting rid of it is not so easy.

Laryngitis is inflammation of the vocal cords and larynx. The main sign of laryngitis is a hoarse voice or lack of voice and a barking cough. The patient may feel a scratching pain in the throat, and later phlegm may appear when coughing.

For young children, in whom it occurs most often, it is most dangerous. The structural features of a child's larynx are such that in a supine position, especially at night, there is a high chance of swelling of the larynx, and this can greatly complicate the child's breathing.

In this situation, medical intervention and an ambulance call are required. Before the doctors arrive, you should lift the child upright and provide him with a warm, moist environment to relieve the spasm; a bath with a hot shower is quite suitable for these purposes.

Chronic laryngitis can be caused not only by bacteria, but also by external factors, for example, vocal strain, exposure to harmful substances, and smoking.

In the absence of high temperature, inhalation with mineral water or the drug “Berodual” helps to alleviate the condition. Applying a warm compress to the throat and drinking warm herbal infusions and teas may help. And it is very important, if possible, not to strain your vocal cords; it is better to remain silent for a couple of days. And also do not forget to humidify the air in the room; if you do not have a humidifier, then use a wet towel.

If an adult falls ill, doctors strongly recommend refraining from drinking alcohol and smoking during illness.

Laryngeal edema is not an independent disease, and most often develops against the background of laryngeal sore throat, phlegmonous laryngitis, and purulent processes in the larynx. It can be either inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Edema of the larynx can occur as an allergic reaction to cosmetics, medications or food.

Prevention of throat diseases

It is not yet possible to completely protect yourself from such diseases, but there are ways to minimize the risks of their occurrence. To do this you need to follow a number of simple rules:

• Do not smoke, as this addiction turns the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and throat into the weakest and most vulnerable places in the body.
• Make your menu healthy and varied, giving preference to healthy and nutritious foods.
• Don't forget to humidify the indoor air, especially during the heating season. Dry air especially irritates the throat and provokes the formation of microtraumas, which is an open road for pathogenic bacteria.
• Wash your and your children's hands often. It has been proven that most microorganisms harmful to us come to us due to unwashed hands.
• Take vitamins. It is better to immediately take complexes for better functioning of the immune system or immunomodulators.
• Dress appropriately for the weather to avoid exposure to hypothermia. In itself, it does not cause the development of colds, but it provokes vasoconstriction and disruption of the protective barrier of the mucous membranes in the body. And always remember, self-medication can be dangerous. Don't put off visiting your doctor for too long. And be healthy!

Oropharyngeal cancer

The oropharynx connects the pharynx (from the soft palate) and the larynx. At this site the respiratory and digestive tracts intersect. It is the soft palate that separates the oropharynx from the nasopharynx.

A malignant neoplasm characterized by a high growth rate is oropharyngeal cancer. The aggressiveness of the tumor is confirmed by histological analysis and clinical features in the form of rapid metastasis to regional lymph nodes and distant organs.

Oncological process, in most cases, is registered after the age of 40 years. Mostly, the neoplasm is located on the palatine tonsils (73%), but damage to the posterior pharyngeal wall (16%) and soft palate (11%) occurs. Due to the hidden initial period, the disease is often diagnosed at stages 3–4, and in half of the cases metastases are detected in the lymph nodes.

Causes of oropharyngeal cancer

The occurrence of a malignant focus in the oropharynx can be a primary process or secondary, as a result of malignancy of a benign formation. Malignancy of cells can be observed due to the influence of provoking factors, for example:

• smoking, chewing tobacco;
• alcohol abuse;
• low-quality, inconveniently installed dentures.

In addition, it is worth noting the conditions and background pathology that increase the risk of tissue degeneration into malignant ones:

• inflammatory processes (sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis);
• leukoplakia, erythroplakia of the pharynx;
• papillomas;
• immunodeficiency.

Symptoms

The initial period (1-3 months) does not have any noticeable symptoms. The tumor grows over time, begins to feel like a foreign body, and pain occurs when swallowing and choking.

Depending on the location of the tumor, a nasal voice is disturbing, liquid food is thrown into the nasopharynx and appetite decreases. When the surface of the tumor is injured by a food bolus, an admixture of blood is noted in the saliva.

The tumor can grow into the lumen of the oropharynx or deep into the tissues.

Signs of oropharyngeal cancer by stage

The classification of malignant diseases (TNM) into stages is based on criteria such as tumor size (T), involvement of surrounding lymph nodes (N) and the presence of distant metastases (M). According to this division, the volume of surgical intervention and the rationality of prescribing courses of radiation and chemotherapy are determined.

At the first stage, oropharyngeal cancer may not appear at all, since the lesion is small in size and there is no damage to the lymph nodes and other organs.

In the second stage, a person may feel a sore throat, as if something is “itching” on the back of the throat or on the soft palate. Lymph nodes may be enlarged in size or undergo malignancy on one side.

As for the third stage, a person is bothered by the feeling of a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, choking, nasal voice and pain. In addition, there is oncological involvement of regional lymph nodes on both sides. They enlarge, become painful when palpated and adhere to the surrounding tissues.

Common symptoms of cancer intoxication include headache, weakness, loss of appetite and body weight. At this stage, cancer may grow deep into the tissues, involving the neurovascular bundle and possible bleeding.

At the fourth stage, the malignant focus spreads both to neighboring tissues and organs and to distant structures. When the nasopharynx is affected, germination into the Eustachian tube is noted with the development of acute, possibly purulent, otitis, as a result of which hearing loss develops.

By disrupting ventilation in the paranasal sinuses, the tumor provokes the development of sinusitis. If the cancer process spreads to the cranial cavity, symptoms of a brain tumor are observed. In addition, at the fourth stage, the neoplasm undergoes decay, which predisposes to bleeding. In addition to local damage, metastasis occurs with the formation of distant malignant foci.

Diagnostics

Sometimes oropharyngeal cancer is discovered during an examination by an ENT doctor or at a dentist's appointment. To confirm the malignant origin, a histological examination is performed under pharyngoscopy control.

To assess the extent of the process, rhinoscopy, otoscopy, laryngoscopy, tomography and lymph node biopsy are performed.

Treatment of oropharyngeal cancer

The main method of treatment is surgical removal of the tumor. If cancer grows into the larynx, partial removal of the pharynx and complete removal of the larynx are performed, followed by the formation of a tracheostomy, esophagostomy and orthostomy. After 3 months, pharynx plastic surgery is performed and the natural passage of food is restored.

At stages 1-2, only surgical treatment is used. Starting from stage 3, a combination with radiation and chemotherapy is recommended, including if the tumor is inoperable.

Prognosis and survival

At stages 1-2, the prognosis is relatively favorable and patient survival reaches 70-95% (depending on age and the presence of concomitant diseases). If oropharyngeal cancer is diagnosed at stages 3-4, survival rate ranges from 20% to 60% when combined treatment is taken into account.

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The diagnosis was made: stage 3 oropharyngeal cancer, t2 n1 MO, condition after chemotherapy, class group 2. My husband has cancer, what to expect?

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The information on the site is presented for informational purposes only! It is not recommended to use the described methods and recipes for treating cancer on your own and without consulting a doctor!

Papilloma- a formation with a grayish tint, uneven edges and a granular surface, mobile, since most often it has a thin base (pedicle). The mucous membrane around the papilloma is not changed.
The final diagnosis is made based on the results of histological examination.

Frequent tumor of the oropharynx - hemangioma. It has many varieties, but in the middle part of the pharynx cavernous diffuse and deep capillary hemangiomas predominate. Branched venous or arterial vascular tumors can be found much less frequently.
Hemangioma in the middle part of the pharynx is somewhat less common than papilloma.
Deep capillary hemangioma is covered with unchanged mucous membrane, its contours are unclear.
In appearance, the tumor is difficult to distinguish from neuromas and other neoplasms localized in the thickness of the tissue. Cavernous and venous hemangiomas are most often located superficially. They are bluish, the surface of these tumors is lumpy, and the consistency is soft. Encapsulated cavernous
hemangiomas have clear boundaries. Branched arterial hemangioma, as a rule, pulsates, and this pulsation is noticeable during pharyngoscopy. The surface of the tumor may be lumpy. Arterial hemangioma must be differentiated primarily from an aneurysm (using angiography).
The boundaries of a hemangioma are difficult to determine. This is due to the fact that the tumor spreads not only over the surface, but also deep into the tissues, often reaching the neurovascular bundle of the neck, filling the jaw area or appearing as a swelling, often anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Mixed tumor found in the middle part of the pharynx as often as hemangioma. It develops from the minor salivary glands. In terms of frequency of occurrence, this neoplasm is second only to papilloma. Due to its large polymorphism, it is usually called a mixed tumor or polymorphic adenoma. In the oropharynx, a mixed tumor can be localized in the thickness of the soft palate, on the lateral and, less commonly, on the posterior wall of the middle part of the pharynx. Since the tumor arises and develops deep in the tissues, on the surface of the walls of the pharynx it looks like a well-defined swelling of dense consistency, painless on palpation, with an uneven surface. The mucous membrane over the tumor is not changed. By appearance, it is not possible to distinguish a mixed tumor from other neoplasms of this localization (neurinoma, neurofibroma, adenoma). The final diagnosis is made based on the results of histological examination.

Tumors such as lipoma, lymphangioma etc., are rare in the middle part of the pharynx. Of these tumors, only osteoma can be diagnosed without histological examination. It is radiopaque, but the final diagnosis is still established based on the results of a histological examination, which makes it possible to determine the morphological structure of the tumor focus.

Clinical picture

Diagnostics

Instrumental studies

Malignant tumors

Clinical picture

Among malignant tumors of the oropharynx, neoplasms of epithelial origin predominate. Epithelial exophytically growing tumors have a wide base, their surface is bumpy, in places with foci of decay; pink color with a grayish tint. There is an inflammatory infiltrate around the tumor. The tumor bleeds easily when touched.

A tumor ulcer is quite often localized on the palatine tonsil. The affected tonsil is enlarged compared to the healthy one. A deep ulcer with uneven edges, the bottom of which is covered with a dirty gray coating, is surrounded by an inflammatory infiltrate.

Diagnostics

Laboratory research

Instrumental studies

Differential diagnosis

Treatment of patients with oropharyngeal tumors

Diseases of the throat and larynx are heterogeneous groups of pathologies that develop for a variety of reasons, but are united by a common localization.

All diseases can be divided as follows:

• Infectious pathologies. They are usually provoked by bacteria and viruses.
• Fungal pathologies. They are relatively rare, but such situations still occur.
• Benign neoplastic processes in the pharynx and larynx.
• Malignant tumors in the structures of the upper respiratory tract.
• Other conditions and pathological processes in the pharynx.

Below we will look at each of these groups in more detail.

They are also heterogeneous in composition, but there is one point that absolutely all infectious diseases of the throat have in common - these are the reasons for their development.

According to research, all pathogenic processes in the pharynx develop for three groups of reasons. The first group of factors concerns the penetration of dangerous microorganisms and viruses into the body.

Among them:

Staphylococci. Cause severe damage to the pharyngeal organs. Usually pyogenic (pyogenic) type. They provoke massive exudation and complex symptoms and are difficult to treat. The most dangerous type of microorganism is.

Streptococci. Especially alpha and beta hemolytic. Cause blood problems, as well as suppuration of the throat and upper respiratory tract. Read more about the diseases they can cause.

Atypical microorganisms, such as chlamydia, gonococci, ureaplasma, mycoplasma, trichomonas and others. They provoke difficult to cure, but sluggish forms of infectious diseases of the pharynx.

Herpes viruses. Especially strains of the fourth and fifth types (Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus). Diseases caused by this type of viral agents are extremely difficult to cure. You can only transfer the disease into the latent phase.

Human papillomaviruses. In total there are more than 500 types. Many are oncogenic. These are serious opponents that promote the formation of cancer cells.

In what ways do they enter the body?

Primarily airborne. With particles of mucus, saliva when coughing, sneezing and even just breathing.

To become a carrier of a virus or bacteria yourself, it is enough to be near an infected person for some time. Since almost everyone is infected (98% or more), the probability of “getting” the agent is extremely high.

• Household or contact path. When in contact with dirty household items, during non-sexual interactions with infected people (handshakes, kisses).
• Sexual route of transportation. Namely oral-genital. There are many dangerous bacteria living on the genitals. Unprotected sex can be dangerous. It is recommended to protect yourself.
• Perinatal path. A child may encounter harsh environmental conditions while still in the womb, as viruses and bacteria easily cross the placental barrier.
• Transmission path. With insect bites.
• Blood transfusion.
• Passage through the mother's birth canal.
• The infection can enter the throat and pharynx through the descending (from the nasopharynx) or ascending (from the lower respiratory structures) routes.
• Throughout the body itself, pathogenic agents are transported through the blood or lymphatic fluid.

However, becoming a carrier of uninvited “guests” is not enough, and does not at all mean that a person will get sick.

The next significant factor that increases the likelihood of developing pathologies is a decrease in immunity.

For what reasons can a security system fail?

• Alcohol abuse.
• Smoking. Women who smoke are especially at risk because their bodies are less able to tolerate the harmful substances contained in cigarettes.
• Use of antibiotics without sufficient reason.
• Incorrect feeding of the child (early weaning, late attachment to the mammary glands, transfer to dry formula).

And other factors, of which there are more than twenty. The third group of reasons are trigger factors. They vary from disease to disease, so you need to consider each pathology separately.

Angina

It is an inflammation of the oropharynx and, in particular, the tonsils. Another name for sore throat is tonsillitis. The disease is better known under this name.

The reasons for the development of sore throat, in addition to those already mentioned, are:

• Traumatic lesions of the pharynx. For example, during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
• Consumption of contaminated food. The nutritional factor plays a role.
• The symptoms of the disease are quite specific:
• Sore throat when swallowing, breathing, eating. They get worse when trying to speak.
• Formation of purulent plugs. These are small yellowish lumps localized in the lacunae and come out when squeezed with the tongue.
• Purulent exudation. Discharge of a large amount of pus from the lacunae due to an infectious lesion.
• Formation of a whitish coating in the throat and soft palate.
• Hyperemia of the pharynx. It can be determined even by self-examination of the pharynx. In other words, redness of the throat.
• Loose structure of soft tissues upon examination.
• Increased body temperature.

Treatment is required immediately. Sore throat tends to cause complications on the heart, kidneys and lungs. It is necessary to use specialized drugs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, analgesics, local antiseptics and antipyretics for general symptoms.

Pharyngitis

Inflammatory lesion of the oropharynx. The disease is very widespread. Trigger factors are specific:

• Hypothermia. Drinking cold water and inhaling frosty air are especially dangerous during the hot season.
• Long-term use of vasoconstrictor drops.
• Chronic diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Sinusitis of various types (sinusitis and others) is especially dangerous.
• Thermal, chemical damage to the pharynx. Burns of various etiologies.

Symptoms include:

• Intense pain syndrome of a burning, stabbing nature. Localized in the pharynx and soft palate. With a long course of the pathology, diffuse discomfort is possible. The unpleasant sensation increases when talking, eating food, drinking water, or breathing.
• Bad breath. Caused by the activity of pathogenic microorganisms.
• Change in voice character. The inability to speak normally develops (hoarseness, weakness, nasal voice), complete loss of the ability to speak.
• Increased body temperature.
• Headache and symptoms of general intoxication.
• Cough with a small amount of sputum.
• Sore throat.

The treatment is specific. As in the case of sore throat, the following groups of medications are prescribed:

• Anti-inflammatory non-steroidal origin.
• Steroid drugs (glucocorticoids).
• Broad-spectrum antiseptics.
• Antibacterial drugs (only after studying the sensitivity of the flora to drugs).

Lack of therapy leads to chronicity of the process and many complications.

Laryngitis

Laryngitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of the larynx. The disease develops relatively often - the prevalence of the pathological process is approximately 8% of clinical cases (statistics are based on recorded situations).

Causes of the disease:

• Traumatic lesions of the larynx. Most often as a result of diagnostic measures for other probable diseases. So, laryngoscopy is especially dangerous.
• Inhalation of pathogenic substances. Smoke, dust, pollen (in this case they speak of an allergic form of laryngitis).
• Mechanical lesions of the larynx. For example, as a result of damage to the delicate mucous membrane from a fish bone, stale bread, accidental inhalation of crumbs, etc.

Otherwise the reasons are identical.

Characteristic manifestations:

• Pain in the throat and neck. It is impossible to determine the exact localization of discomfort. The feelings are diffuse, which makes it difficult to formulate complaints.
• Cough. The hallmark of laryngitis is an intense barking reflex. Cannot be removed with classical drugs. No sputum is produced, which is typical for this disease.

The treatment uses antitussives of general action (to suppress the reflex at the central level), antitussives of peripheral action, and anti-inflammatory drugs of non-steroidal origin. Glucocorticoid medications may also be needed.

Thinning agents and mucolytics are not required. They are useless and even dangerous in this case.

Scleroma

It is a disease of mixed origin (immune and at the same time infectious). It is characterized by spontaneous proliferation of the walls of the larynx and the formation of special nodular inclusions, granulomas.

Contrary to what you might think, these are not neoplasms. Granulomas are considered to be the result of proliferation, but not of a tumor nature. Therefore, scleroma is classified as an infection.

The causes of the disease are multiple. The most common are:

• Mechanical damage to the walls of the larynx. Usually as a result of diagnostic or therapeutic measures. As already mentioned, laryngoscopy is the most traumatic.
• Chemical and thermal injuries of a long-term nature. The longer pathological factors affect the pharynx, the higher the likelihood of developing the disease.
• Long-term infectious lesions. Affected by the manifestation of scleroma.

Symptoms:

• Breathing disorders (shortness of breath, and later suffocation).
• Change in voice of different types (may become higher or lower).
• Sore throat, other unpleasant sensations in the throat area.
• Nasal congestion, nasal breathing disorders.

Treatment is conservative, in most cases, with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. If the airway is obstructed, surgical intervention is required.

Fungal diseases (pharyngomycosis)

Diseases of the throat and larynx are not limited to viral and bacterial lesions. Fungal infestations are possible. The most common is the so-called pharyngomycosis.

At its core, it is the same pharyngitis, however, of a fungal nature. According to research, in almost 100% of clinical cases the culprit is fungus of the genus candida.

The main causes of the development of the disease are diabetes mellitus and other endocrine pathologies. They cause a general and local decrease in immunity.

Less commonly, predisposing factors are injuries to the throat and pharynx in general. For example, when anatomical structures are exposed to hot steam, excessively dry air, or chemical reagents. Mechanical damage is also possible, which opens the way for fungal agents.

Symptoms of pharyngomycosis:

• Intense sore throat. It is burning, cutting. It intensifies at night, when eating, drinking liquid.
• Unpleasant, sour odor from the mouth.
• Formation of a white cheesy coating in the throat.
• Redness of the pharynx and the entire soft palate.
• Clogging cough and sore throat.

Treatment requires special attention. The following groups of drugs are used:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Broad-spectrum antifungals and antibiotics to prevent secondary damage.

Benign tumors

Benign tumors are non-infiltrative growing neoplasms.

They are not prone to metastasize. However, due to the development of mass effect, breathing problems and other unpleasant and life-threatening conditions are possible.

Adenoiditis

Strictly speaking, it is not a benign tumor. Adenoiditis is an inflammation of the adenoids: the enlarged palatine tonsil. Most often have infectious causes.

In almost 100% of cases it affects children under 10 years of age. In adults, the disease occurs as exceptions. This is casuistry.

Symptoms of adenoiditis:

• Nasal breathing disorders. The patient cannot breathe normally due to the overlap of the choanae and vomer.
• Rise in body temperature to subfebrile-febrile levels.
• Symptoms of general intoxication of the body.

Treatment in most cases is surgical. It is necessary to remove the adenoids and thereby the problem will be solved radically.

Other neoplasms

There is also the following list of benign tumors of the larynx and throat:

Fibroids. Consist of fibrous tissue. They develop mainly in the area of ​​the vocal cords. They have an oval or spherical regular shape. They are not prone to metastasis and grow extremely slowly. Lead to voice changes and breathing problems. Large sizes pose a danger to life and health.

Lipomas. Also called wen. Develop from adipose tissue. They have a spherical shape. May have a leg. Formation occurs at the entrance to the larynx in most cases.

Polyps. A type of fibroids. Unlike the former, they have a tendency to malignant degeneration. They need to be removed in any case. This is an axiom.

Chondromas. Tumors of the larynx from cartilaginous tissue. Over time, they can transform into cancer (chondrosarcoma).

Papillomas. They're warts. They are provoked by the human papillomavirus. Many strains are oncogenic, therefore mandatory histological examination and PCR diagnostics are required.

Cystic formations. Fluid structures surrounded by a fibrous capsule. Not prone to growth.

Angiomas. Vascular tumors. Difficult to remove. They are often congenital.

Important:

In all cases, the reasons for the development of tumors lie in a violation of cell differentiation (the process of transforming unspecialized embryonic cells into specialized cells of tissues and organs) and an increase in their proliferation (the process of cell reproduction).

Treatment is surgical. However, you shouldn’t rush to extremes right away.

The best option would be dynamic monitoring of the tumor. If it grows, it needs to be removed. It is also important to determine the histological structure of the neoplasm (benign or malignant). Only after this do they decide on treatment tactics.

Malignant tumors

Cancers of this location are relatively rare. However, they are extremely dangerous. In a similar arrangement, carcinomas and sarcomas are distinguished.

Carcinoma

Develops from epithelial tissues. Cell differentiation is practically absent, proliferation is maximum.

The reasons for the development of an oncological tumor are as follows:

• Tobacco abuse. The more a person smokes, the greater the risk of developing carcinoma. When consuming tobacco products a pack a day or more, the likelihood of developing cancer increases by 70%. A person drives himself into harsh conditions.
• Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages. Burns of the mucous membranes form. As a result, the risks increase significantly.
• Occupational hazards. This includes dangerous work at chemical plants, in hot industries, etc.
• Drinking hot liquids on a regular basis.

Symptoms of throat cancer are as follows:

• Headaches in the back of the head.
• Pain in the jaws, radiating to the teeth.
• Problems with vision and hearing.
• Frequent otitis of unknown origin.
• Voice disorders.
• Bad breath.

Treatment is exclusively surgical. In later stages, radiation and chemotherapy will be required. The choice of treatment tactics is chosen only by the oncologist.

Sarcoma

A much more aggressive tumor. It develops for the same reasons. Characterized by intense cellular atypia and high proliferation rate.

Symptoms are similar to carcinoma and include the following manifestations:

• Toothache.
• Pain in the jaw area on the affected side.
• Voice problems. It becomes weak, hoarse or too low.
• Visual and hearing impairments.
• Frequent otitis.

Treatment, as in the previous case, is surgical. Excision of tissue is required, as radical as possible. This way you can avoid relapses.

Radiation and chemotherapy are prescribed based on the stage of the pathological process.

Dangerous conditions

Acute laryngeal stenosis is manifested by a significant narrowing of the airways.

• Penetration of foreign objects into the respiratory tract.
• Infectious pathologies such as measles, malaria, typhoid and other diseases.
• Carrying out various types of medical procedures.
• Inflammatory processes of the respiratory system.

Characteristic symptoms include: breathing problems, acute asphyxia, sore throat. Surgical treatment consists of expanding the lumen of the larynx.

Laryngeal edema

In most cases it develops as a result of an allergic reaction. The symptoms are identical. Asphyxia and death are possible. Treatment is specific: urgent administration of antihistamines and artificial ventilation (if the condition is severe) is necessary.

Laryngospasm

The condition is generally identical to stenosis. The manifestations and methods of treatment are similar. The essence of the pathological process is the development of spasm of the laryngeal muscles.

In all described cases, treatment should be carried out immediately. The patient's life is at stake. An ambulance is required. There is nothing you can do on your own.

Problems of this kind are the most common. The diseases are similar in manifestations, therefore mandatory differential diagnosis is required.

Treatment is selected based on the situation. For the most part it is conservative. The main thing is to contact a treating specialist in time.

In contact with

There are many diseases that can affect the oropharynx area, but most of us are faced with only the most common of them - sore throat, laryngitis, pharyngitis, etc. However, there are also rarer diseases that, nevertheless, people encounter from time to time and are diagnosed by specialists in a wide variety of segments of the population. And it is important to know about them. Therefore, we will consider some of these diseases of the oropharynx - diphtheria, candidiasis, leptotrichosis of the oropharynx and talk about the features of these pathological conditions in a little more detail.

Diphtheria

This infectious disease develops as a result of an attack on the human body by a rod-shaped bacterium. The defeat of a person leads to the production of a particularly dangerous diphtheria toxin, which explains the pathogenic nature of this disease.
You can become infected with diphtheria from the same patient, or from a carrier of a toxigenic strain. In general, doctors distinguish several varieties of this disease, depending on the location of the pathological processes. In this case, diphtheria of the oropharynx is especially common. The patient experiences a sharp increase in temperature, his general condition worsens, and pain in the throat develops when swallowing. A fibrinous plaque of a grayish color appears on the surface of the tonsils, which becomes dense and smooth over time.

Rarely does plaque spread to other areas of the oral mucosa. In especially severe cases, the disease occurs in a toxic form, in which case the patient’s condition is extremely serious - his temperature increases greatly, headaches, vomiting, euphoria, delirium, etc. occur. Diphtheria films in this case spread throughout all parts of the oropharynx and can last up to two weeks. This type of disease is fraught with various kinds of complications and is difficult to treat.

Treatment of diphtheria involves the introduction of a special anti-diphtheria serum and detoxification therapy. All patients and people suspected of developing this disease should be taken to the infectious diseases department. The main feature of diphtheria is the absence of sore throat and, most often, a relatively low temperature.

Candidiasis

This disease is familiar to many as a common female disease. However, its pathogens - fungi - can affect not only the genitals, but also the oral cavity. Doctors say that such pathological processes always occur as a result of reduced immunity - with various forms of immunodeficiency, cancer and chronic diseases, prolonged use of antibiotics, and diseases of the endocrine system. Quite often, oral candidiasis is diagnosed with the so-called natural immunodeficiency, which is observed in newborns, pregnant women, and the elderly.

With the development of the acute form of the disease, the surfaces of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, larynx and lips become covered with a whitish coating. It can be easily eliminated, and underneath is smooth, inflamed mucosa. In some cases, plaque is difficult to remove, and the surfaces underneath are damaged and painful. If candidiasis proceeds according to the atrophic type, the mucous membranes are painted in bright red fiery tones, and the white coating may be completely absent. At the same time, patients complain of pain. The chronic type of the disease is accompanied by the appearance of a white or yellowish coating, which is extremely difficult to separate, and bleeding surfaces are observed underneath it.

Pathological processes lead to burning and pain in the mouth; patients also complain of severe discomfort and constant dryness. Therapy is carried out using antifungal compounds, as well as by taking measures to increase immunity. Patients are also advised to adhere to dietary nutrition and not self-medicate.

Leptotrichosis of the oropharynx

This pathological condition is quite often diagnosed in children in the absence of proper hygienic care for the oral cavity. The disease develops due to an attack of the body by special iron-containing bacteria. In most cases, the disease is provoked by a decrease in the overall resistance of the body. Pathological processes lead to the active proliferation of leptotrichia, which causes the appearance of massive white deposits on the root of the tongue, as well as on the tonsils. Patients may complain of pain, a burning sensation, and patients often refuse food. In certain cases, leptotrichosis may be accompanied by candidiasis, which we already discussed above. Sometimes the disease does not make itself felt at all and is discovered only during a routine examination.

As for the treatment of such a disease, it is often difficult. In a certain percentage of patients, leptotrichosis goes away on its own, but it is often characterized by a persistent course and requires intensive care. Maximum effectiveness can be achieved by washing the lacunae with a solution of quinosol, as well as a solution of decaris and using such compositions for rinsing. A good result can also be achieved by performing cryotherapy - freezing individual affected areas. Many doctors also advise using different physiotherapeutic methods.

If you suspect the development of one of the ailments described above, you should consult a doctor.

The oropharynx connects the pharynx (from the soft palate) and the larynx. At this site the respiratory and digestive tracts intersect. It is the soft palate that separates the oropharynx from the nasopharynx.

A malignant neoplasm characterized by a high growth rate is oropharyngeal cancer. The aggressiveness of the tumor is confirmed by histological analysis and clinical features in the form of rapid metastasis to regional lymph nodes and distant organs.

Oncological process, in most cases, is registered after the age of 40 years. Mostly, the neoplasm is located on the palatine tonsils (73%), but damage to the posterior pharyngeal wall (16%) and soft palate (11%) occurs. Due to the hidden initial period, the disease is often diagnosed at stages 3–4, and in half of the cases it is detected.

Causes of oropharyngeal cancer

The occurrence of a malignant focus in the oropharynx can be a primary process or secondary, as a result of malignancy of a benign formation. Malignancy of cells can be observed due to the influence of provoking factors, for example:

• smoking, chewing tobacco;
• alcohol abuse;
• low-quality, inconveniently installed dentures.

In addition, it is worth noting the conditions and background pathology that increase the risk of tissue degeneration into malignant ones:

• inflammatory processes (sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis);
• leukoplakia, erythroplakia of the pharynx;
• immunodeficiency.

Symptoms

The initial period (1-3 months) does not have any noticeable symptoms. The tumor grows over time, begins to feel like a foreign body, and pain occurs when swallowing and choking.

Depending on the location of the tumor, a nasal voice is disturbing, liquid food is thrown into the nasopharynx and appetite decreases. When the surface of the tumor is injured by a food bolus, an admixture of blood is noted in the saliva.

The tumor can grow into the lumen of the oropharynx or deep into the tissues.

Signs of oropharyngeal cancer by stage

The classification of malignant diseases (TNM) into stages is based on criteria such as (T), involvement of surrounding lymph nodes (N) and the presence of distant metastases (M). According to this division, the volume of surgical intervention and the rationality of prescribing courses of radiation and chemotherapy are determined.

At the first stage Oropharyngeal cancer may not manifest itself at all, since the lesion is small in size and there is no damage to the lymph nodes and other organs.

At the second stage a person may feel a sore throat, as if something is “itching” on the back of the pharyngeal wall or on the soft palate. Lymph nodes may be enlarged in size or undergo malignancy on one side.

As for the third stage, a person is worried about the feeling of a lump in the throat, difficulty swallowing, choking, nasal voice and pain. In addition, there is oncological involvement of regional lymph nodes on both sides. They enlarge, become painful when palpated and adhere to the surrounding tissues.

Prognosis and survival

At stages 1-2, the prognosis is relatively favorable and patient survival reaches 70-95% (depending on age and the presence of concomitant diseases). If oropharyngeal cancer diagnosed at stages 3-4, survival rate ranges from 20% to 60% when combined treatment is taken into account.