Treatment for Tonsillar Cancer

Tonsillar cancer is the most common form of cancer that affects the throat and mouth. The risk of developing tonsil cancer may be higher among people who are heavy users of alcohol or nicotine.

Diagnosis

• According to the Mayo Clinic, doctors will examine the neck, tonsils and areas of the throat that are close to the tonsils to determine the presence of a tumor. Imaging tests may be used and a biopsy may be performed to diagnose tonsil cancer.

Surgery

• Oral surgery may be performed to remove cancer from the tonsils and any nearby tissues to which the cancer may have spread.

Radiation

• Radiation therapy may be used to kill cancer cells with strong radiation in cases where all cancer cells cannot be removed through surgery.

Chemotherapy

• Courses of targeted chemotherapy drugs may be given to patients with the advanced stages of tonsil cancer.

Reconstructive Surgery

• Reconstructive surgery may be needed in cases where face, neck or jaw disfigurement was caused by the surgical removal of advanced tonsil cancer tumors.