ABSTRACT

Tumours of the oropharynx are relatively infrequent with an incidence of 0.8 per 100000 population per annum. For head and neck tumours, this is the commonest site for carcinomas of the pharynx. Functionally, the oropharynx is one the most critical sites in the upper aerodigestive tract since it is situated at the important bifurcation of the respiratory and digestive tract. Tumours at this site will affect swallowing, speech and ultimately the airway and, therefore, decisions about treatment are influenced, not only by the most optimal method of tumour ablation, but also by important functional considerations.