However, while infections tend to worsen quickly and then resolve, cancer symptoms generally linger or slowly worsen.
The HPV Connection
The incidence of head and neck cancers has been increasing.
The CDC estimates that 70% of cases of head and neck cancers are brought on by HPV.
Verywell / JR Bee
It is believed that the virus is usually transmitted through unprotected oral sex.
HPV-positive malignancies are much more responsive to treatment than otherhead and neck cancers.
HPV prevention strategies include getting anHPV vaccineand using condoms.
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers use different tools to help diagnose cancer of the tonsils.
The first step of this process is your medical history and physical examination.
You and your healthcare provider will discuss the treatment plan that is best for you.
The treatments chosen may vary depending on the characteristics of the tumor and whether it developed due to HPV.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be given together (chemoradiotherapy).
You may be treated with radiation therapy alone.
Targeted therapy may be used if the tumor has certain characteristics.
Erbitux (cetuximab) is a targeted therapy that may be used in combination with radiation therapy.
Yes, tonsil cancer can still develop in any tonsil tissue that wasn’t removed in the surgery.
What is the tonsil cancer survival rate?
How can I prevent tonsil cancer?
Summary
Many cancers are most treatable when caught early, and tonsil cancer is no exception.
2014;64(628):e742-4.
doi:10.3399/bjgp14X682537
American Cancer Society.Risk factors for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers.
doi:10.1016/j.ypmed.2011.08.001
Cleveland Clinic.Oropharyngeal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer stages.
American Cancer Society.Treating oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Tonsil Cancer.
American Cancer Society.Survival rates for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Head and neck cancers.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.HPV and oropharyngeal cancer.
