TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
Source: Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 16, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
The prognosis depends on:
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whether the person has HPV infection of the oropharynx
whether the person has a history of smoking cigarettes for 10 or more pack years
the stage of the cancer
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the number and size of lymph nodes with cancer
Oropharyngeal tumors related to HPV infection have a better prognosis and are less likely to recur than tumors not linked to HPV infection.
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Treatment options depend on:
the stage of the cancer
keeping the person's ability to speak and swallow as normal as possible
the person's general health
People with oropharyngeal cancer have an increased risk of another cancer in the head or neck. This risk is increased if a person continues to smoke or drink alcohol after treatment.
For more information, visit Cigarette Smoking: Health Risks and How to Quit.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice