Specialized treatment for oropharyngeal cancer
Oropharyngeal cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the oropharynx, which is the middle part of the throat. This area includes the back of the tongue, the tonsils, the soft palate, and the walls of the throat. Effective treatment requires specialized care to achieve the best possible results.
Cancer treatment can be complex—what’s most effective varies from person to person. That’s why specialists at Penn Medicine consider every option for treating oropharyngeal cancer. Each of our doctors specializes in a specific cancer treatment area, such as radiation oncology or immunotherapy, and subspecializes in head and neck cancers. This level of expertise is uncommon and allows us to create treatment plans specific to your unique needs and diagnosis.
Oropharyngeal cancer treatment options at Penn Medicine
Everyone’s experience with oropharyngeal cancer is personal to them. We believe your care should be, too. Treatment for oropharyngeal cancer depends on several factors such as the type and size of the cancer, its location, whether it has spread to lymph nodes, how it affects speech and swallowing, and your overall health. Together, we’ll identify the best plan tailored to your needs that may include one or more treatments.
One-on-one care every step of the way
Our nurse navigation services are provided to all patients to ease their cancer experience. You’ll be paired with a skilled registered nurse certified in cancer care. They serve as a single point of contact from diagnosis through the end of treatment and are available by phone, email, and virtual appointments. Working with you on everything from nutrition, mental health, and financial issues, nurse navigators provide referrals to specialists and resources to enhance your overall quality of life.
Support services for oropharyngeal cancer
At Penn Medicine, our dedicated care team supports you throughout your entire journey to enhance your overall well-being. We provide a variety of programs and services to help you and your loved ones navigate the physical and emotional challenges of an oropharyngeal cancer diagnosis.
Our wide range of supportive cancer therapies helps you navigate the various challenges that cancer can bring. These services include:
- Counseling for patients and families
- Nutritional counseling
- Patient education
- Hospice care
- Palliative care
- Pet therapy
- Home care services
- Stress management
- Support groups
Top experts providing tailored oropharyngeal cancer care
Our team of oropharyngeal cancer experts brings exceptional knowledge and skill to the procedures and therapies that lead to better outcomes. When you partner with us for oropharyngeal cancer treatment, you can expect:
- Multidisciplinary care: Experienced clinicians across multiple disciplines—medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and nurse practitioners who specialize in oropharyngeal cancer—create a plan that fits your needs.
- Innovative treatments: We’re at the forefront of cancer treatment, providing access to the latest therapies and innovative clinical trials that offer new treatment options.
- Highly trained experts: Our oropharyngeal cancer specialists have completed the highest level of training in head and neck surgeries. Their surgical experience and skills lead to better results.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.