American Oncology Institute (AOI) in Coimbatore Reports Successful Treatment of Oropharyngeal Carcinoma in a 70-Year-Old Patient !

American Oncology Institute (AOI) in Coimbatore Reports Successful Treatment of Oropharyngeal Carcinoma in a 70-Year-Old Patient !

Coimbatore, December 27, 2023 – American Oncology Institute (AOI) in Coimbatore successfully treated a 70-year-old male patient diagnosed with Oropharyngeal Carcinoma. Oropharyngeal carcinoma refers to cancer that develops in the tissues of the oropharynx, which is the part of the throat at the back of the mouth. It includes regions such as the soft palate, tonsillar area, base of the tongue, and the posterior (back) wall of the pharynx.

The patient was presented with severe pain in the oral cavity, predominantly on the left side, with associated discomfort while swallowing and radiating pain to the left ear. During the examination, a sizable ulcerative growth was found in areas behind the molar teeth on the left side of the mouth, near the tonsils, and in the left tonsil region. Subsequent biopsy confirmed moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.

Dr Anbu C, Radiation Oncologist, AOI Coimbatore, stated, "Oropharyngeal cancers, primarily squamous cell carcinomas, are becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly due to factors like smoking, tobacco usage, and alcohol abuse. However, there's a rising incidence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) associated oropharyngeal cancers, notably in non-smokers. It's important to note that HPV-associated patients generally have a better prognosis compared to non-associated cases."

The patient was treated with a radical approach involving Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) with simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique alongside concomitant radio sensitizing chemotherapy. The radiation was directed at treating the main affected areas and high-risk nodes, with lower doses given to less risky areas as a preventive measure.

"Despite encountering severe odynophagia during the fifth week of radiation therapy, which was managed symptomatically with the insertion of an NG tube for feeding purposes, the patient displayed positive progress post-treatment. There was a notable reduction in visible growth in the oropharynx and retromolar trigone region, with manageable grade 1 dermatitis and grade II mucositis," added Dr Anbu C.

Krishna Das, Zonal Director, American Oncology Institute Coimbatore, highlighted, "This case exemplifies our commitment to advancing cancer treatment and providing personalized care. Our institute is dedicated to utilizing advanced radiation therapy techniques, like IMRT, to enhance treatment outcomes while minimizing radiation-related toxicity."

Oropharyngeal cancer affects approximately 20,000 individuals annually in India. The advancements in radiation therapy techniques, especially IMRT, have significantly reduced radiation-related side effects, showcasing substantial progress in oropharyngeal cancer treatment. 

American Oncology Institute Coimbatore is a state-of-the-art cancer hospital providing integrated and complete cancer care and treatment to patients in and around Tamil Nadu. The world-class facility is opened in collaboration with the Royal Care Super Speciality Hospital in Coimbatore. Regarded as the best oncology hospital in Coimbatore, AOI provides comprehensive cancer treatment services to its patients that include Radiation Oncology, Surgical Oncology, and Medical Oncology for people across all age groups and gender. At American Oncology Institute, we provide a wide variety of cancer treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and more. In addition, we also provide advanced techniques in Radiotherapy such as TrueBeam STx, Brachytherapy, and PET/CT with 4D technology.