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.
