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Epidemiology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

The total incidence of mouth, lip and pharyngeal cancer in England and Wales is approximately 3,600 cases per annum.

These tumours have their maximal incidence in the elderly with a male to female preponderance of approximately 10:1.

Site incidence:

  • tonsil and faucial pillars - 50%
  • base of tongue - 20%
  • soft palate and uvula - 10%
  • posterior pharyngeal wall and other sites - 20%

Lymphomas are usually of B-cell, high grade, non-Hodgkin's variety.

Presenting features of oropharyngeal cancer:

  • persistent sore throat 90%
  • otalgia 60-70%
  • hoarseness 50%

Reference:

  • (1) Referral Guidelines for Suspected Cancer (April 2000). NHS Executive.

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