It communicates with the nasopharynx through the pharyngeal isthmus, extending posteriorly from the posterior border of the soft palate.
A pink-red mucous membrane covers the oropharynx (including the tonsils and arches). Tonsils are distinguished by a pitted appearance and vary significantly in size between different people and with age.
It communicates with the oral cavity anteriorly through the oropharyngeal isthmus, restricted by the palatoglossal arch, and includes the posterior aspect of the tongue. It sounds with the laryngopharynx, the limit of which is delimited by the superior border of the epiglottis.
The lateral walls of the oropharynx are different due to the presence of two arches. The palatoglossal arch, anteriorly, contains the palatoglossus muscle and forms the anterior border of the oropharynx.
Behind this arch is the palatopharyngeal angle, which contains palatopharyngeal. The space between these two arches is the tonsillar fossa. The volume with the hooks and the tonsillar fossa bilaterally is the fauces.
The soft palate forms the boundary between the nasopharynx and the oropharynx. It is attached laterally to the walls of the nasopharynx/oropharynx. The anterior part is continuous with the hard palate.
The posterior border of the soft palate hangs freely and is distinguished by an inferior conical projection, the uvula. The soft palate curves downward as it passes backward.
The soft palate is covered on all surfaces by the epithelium of the upper respiratory pseudostratified type and inferiorly stratified squamous type. A large submucosal layer contains many glands.
In the center, various muscle attachments and the palatal aponeurosis shape the palate. The palatal aponeurosis is formed by the tendons of the tensor veli palatine and is attached to the palatine bone anteriorly. It is thicker anteriorly, and all other palatal muscles adhere to it.
The palatine tonsils are paired structures located in the tonsillar fossa, between the two arches of the oropharynx. They are ovoid, generally more significant in infancy before middle age.
The tonsils rest on the tonsillar hemicapsule, a fibrous layer distinct from the underlying pharyngobasilar and superior constrictor fascia.
The tonsillar fossa is the space between the two arches of the oropharynx. It contains the palatine tonsil, the tonsillar hemicapsule, the mucous membrane, and underlying tissues. The floor of the tonsillar fossa is formed by the pharyngobasilar fascia and the superior constrictor.
The tonsillar fossa is essential because of its close relationship with vascular and neuronal structures. From superior to inferior, these are the facial artery and the tonsillar branch, the external palatal vein, the glossopharyngeal nerve, and the pharyngeal plexus of the veins.
The descending palatal vein runs vertically in the posterior part of the fossa. The styloglossus and hyoglossus lie deeply to the pharyngobasilar fascia and superior constrictor.
The epithelium of the oropharynx (including the soft palate and tonsils) is squamous, non-keratinizing, and stratified. The submucous and mucous glands are frequently seen, particularly on the underside of the soft palate (below the palatal aponeurosis).
Tonsils are characterized by an outer surface of non-keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium with 10-20 crypts penetrating their substance. The connective tissue forms partitions and is continuous with the lamina propria of the mucosa and the underlying pharyngobasilar fascia.
The crypts are lined with a non-keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium and reticulated epithelium. The last epithelium contains mesh-like cells through which the immune system cells can access the contents of the crypts.
Crypts are often clogged with bacteria, saliva, or other material.
The lymphoid tissue of the tonsil is divided into numerous categories. Lymphoid follicles are found along the septa of the connective tissue. Numerous IgA-producing B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, and antigen-presenting cells are located within the reticular epithelium.
Swallowing is a significant function of the oropharynx.
The first phase is voluntary, where the tongue pushes a bolus of food into the oropharynx. The bolus is held in the space between the epiglottis, the soft palate, and the tongue base before the second phase begins.
The second phase is rapid and involuntary. It involves elevation of the soft palate and widening the oropharynx/laryngopharynx.
The suprahyoid and longitudinal pharyngeal muscles contract, elevating the larynx. These movements effectively occlude the nasopharynx at the pharyngeal isthmus, the oral cavity at the oropharyngeal isthmus, and the laryngeal inlet.
The third phase is also involuntary and consists of the sequential contraction of the constrictor muscles from superior to inferior. This pushes the food bolus into the esophagus.
The tonsillectomy involves removing the palatine tonsils. The tonsillar hemicapsule divides between the underlying constrictor muscles and the pharyngobasilar fascia. The vessels are ligated as the capsule is removed.
The arteries of the oropharynx are similar to those of the rest of the pharynx. Blood is obtained from the external carotid artery branches, particularly the ascending and ascending palatine arteries.
Blood in the tonsil travels in the tonsillar artery, a branch of the facial artery. A small supply is derived from the dorsal lingual arteries and a chapter from the ascending palatal artery.
Venous blood from the oropharynx collects in a plexus outside the pharynx. The pharyngeal veins generally drain directly into the internal jugular, maxillary, or facial veins.
The veins of the soft palate usually pass laterally to empty into the pterygoid venous plexus.
Lymphatic vessels from the palatine tonsils pass through the superior constrictor and terminate directly in the upper deep cervical nodes (II) or the retropharyngeal nodes (which often direct lymph to level II or III).
Lymph from the rest of the pharynx follows a similar path. Lymph from the soft palate may drain bilaterally to the upper cervical or submandibular nodes.
The posterior aspect of the tongue, frequently considered part of the oropharynx, drains bilaterally to the upper deep cervical ganglia (level II). Invasion of this structure by pharyngeal tumors requires consideration of bilateral neck irradiation.
The oropharynx has a gill motor, visceral sensory-motor, and unique sensory innervation.
Branchial muscles of the soft palate and oropharynx
The muscles of the oropharynx are innervated by somatic motor fibers of the vagus nerve (X), in addition to the stylopharyngeal supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve (IX).
The branchial muscles of the soft palate also receive a somatic supply of branchial fluid from the vagus nerve, except for the tensor veli palatini, which is supplied by a branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve.
Branches of the pterygopalatine ganglion innervate the minor salivary glands of the soft palate and oropharynx. These initially arise from the greater petrosal nerve, a division of the facial nerve (VII).
Visceral sensory supply to the oropharynx (posterior and lateral walls, base of tongue) is also a function of the vagus nerve, except for the posterior third of the language, which receives visceral supply from the glossopharyngeal nerve (IX).
The vagus nerve innervates the taste receptors in the soft palate. In the posterior third of the tongue, this function is performed by the glossopharyngeal nerve.
Routes of the spread of cancer
Oropharyngeal tumors can have extensive local invasion into surrounding structures. This can include the laryngopharynx, oral cavity, or nasopharynx. Alternatively, lateral extension deep into the tissue of the tonsillar fossa can cause compression of the glossopharyngeal (IX) nerve.
The most extensive local invasion (stage T4) includes invasion of the palatine bone or mandible, larynx, and pterygoid muscles. The tumor may enclose the carotid artery (Stage T4b).
The most common lymph nodes involved in oropharyngeal carcinoma are the retropharyngeal nodes and the upper deep cervical nodes (up to 75% of cases). Tier III and IV nodes are also involved more frequently than Tier I or V.
Distant hematogenic spread of the malignancy is uncommon in the early stages of oropharyngeal carcinoma but generally affects the lungs if it occurs.
The oropharynx is extensively innervated by visceral motor and sensory nerves arising from the cranial nerves’ glossopharyngeal nerve and vagus nerve. Cancer can infiltrate these nerves and subsequently move to the posterior cranial fossa.
The main functions of the pharynx are respiratory and digestive. The pharynx muscles assist in the swallowing mechanism and provide a path for food to move from the mouth to the esophagus.
When the tongue pushes the chewed food towards the back of the mouth, the windpipe closes, and the food passes into the pharynx. Muscles work to swallow food and move it up the esophagus.
The pharynx allows inhaled air to pass from the nose into the larynx, windpipe, and lungs. The isthmus, which is the pathway that connects the nasal and oral pharynx, allows humans to breathe through the nose and mouth.
The pharynx works in conjunction with other speech-related muscles to produce sounds and plays a role in sound resonance.
It is connected to the ear cavity on both sides through the Eustachian tubes; this helps equalize the pressure created by the air on the eardrums.
Lymphoid tissues found in the pharynx play a small role in regulating the body’s immune system.
The lymphoid tissues that make up the tonsils control particles and microbes that enter the nose or throat and prevent them from mixing with air that enters the lungs or food that enters the stomach.
Clinical complications of the pharynx
Pharyngitis: refers to inflammation of the pharynx that causes swelling, redness, and pain during swallowing. Severe cases require antibiotics prescribed by the doctor.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux: This is common for those with gastric problems when stomach acids rise through the esophagus.
Tonsillitis – Palatine tonsils sometimes become inflamed with a bacterial or viral infection and then become uncomfortable or painful. Lymph nodes are enlarged, and there may be trouble speaking or swallowing. Usually, a tonsillectomy is needed.
Throat paralysis: This situation can occur due to a throat infection and diseases such as rabies, polio, and diphtheria.
Pharyngeal cancer: this is another clinical complication of the pharynx; this form of throat cancer creates bleeding, and pain in the neck and throat, caused by the sensation of lumps in the neck or throat and can lead to nasal obstruction, sore throat, earache, bleeding, swallowing problems, and sometimes deafness.
Treatment of pharyngitis
The most common disease caused in the pharynx is pharyngitis. If you have this problem, your doctor will examine your throat for gray or white patches.
The doctor will even check the nose and ear for swollen lymph nodes near the neck. If the doctor identifies a problem, he will do a throat culture.
After the throat culture, the doctor would also perform a blood test to identify the actual cause of the pharyngitis. The blood sample is sent for tests to determine if you have mononucleosis or infection.
Most throat problems get better within a week. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to confirm that the risk of the ailment is completely rectified. In addition to pain relievers, the doctor suggests:
- Eat cold, soft foods that are more liquid inconsistency.
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid hard candy, popsicles, ice cubes, and tablets.
- Gargle on a results base with warm, salty water.
The oropharynx is one of the most common causes of head and neck cancer in the United States. An estimated 11,000 to 13,000 new cases of oropharyngeal cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year.
The vast majority of these tumors are squamous cell carcinomas, cancer that arises from squamous epithelial cells that line the upper aerodigestive tract.
Squamous cell carcinomas can also arise in many other sites, including the skin, lungs, bladder, and cervix. Still, tumor behavior and treatment options vary widely between different locations in the body.
Men are four times more likely than women to develop oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), with an annual global risk of 6.2 per 100,000 men compared to 1.4 cases per 100,000 women.
The incidence in the US is highest among black and white men and lowest among Hispanics, Native Americans, and Asian / Pacific Islanders.
Do I have a tumor of the oropharynx?
Cancers of the oropharynx commonly begin in the tonsil, soft palate, or tonsil-like tissue at the base of the tongue.
Malignant tumors usually start in the lining of the mucous membrane (called squamous cell carcinoma) but can also appear in white blood cells (lymphoma) or epithelial cells (adenocarcinoma).
Early signs and symptoms of oropharyngeal tumors include the development of asymmetric tonsils, pain such as a persistent sore throat, particularly pain that shoots into one ear, difficulty or pain when swallowing, a muffled sound in the voice, or a lump in the neck.
Your doctor may be able to see a tumor in this area without special equipment but may need unique mirrors or fiber optic telescopes. The doctor may also need to feel the back of the throat with a gloved finger.
A biopsy is necessary to confirm a diagnosis. Often, this area must be biopsied with the patient under general anesthesia. Treatment of oropharyngeal cancer usually consists of surgery or radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy.
Small tumors can be surgically removed without loss of throat function. Larger tumors can be surgically removed if necessary (for example, if chemotherapy and radiation fail), but these surgeries require reconstruction of the throat and impair swallowing ability.
Inawasiliana na nasopharynx kupitia pharyngeal isthmus, kupanua nyuma kutoka mpaka wa nyuma wa palate laini. Mshipa wa utando wenye rangi ya waridi-nyekundu hufunika mdomo wa mdomo (kutia ndani matonzo na matao). Tonsils hutofautishwa na kuonekana kwa pitted na hutofautiana sana katika ukubwa kati ya watu tofauti na na umri. Inawasiliana na cavity mdomo mbele kupitia oropharyngeal isthmus, imepunguzwa na arch palatoglossal, na ni pamoja na upande wa nyuma wa ulimi. Ina sauti na laryngopharynx, ambayo mpaka wake umepangwa na mpaka wa juu wa epiglottis. Kuta za upande wa oropharynx ni tofauti kutokana na uwepo wa matao mawili. Mhimili wa palatoglossal, mbele, una misuli ya palatoglossus na hufanyiza mpaka wa mbele wa oropharynx. Nyuma ya arch hii ni pembe palatopharyngeal, ambayo ina palatopharyngeal. Nafasi iliyo kati ya matao hayo mawili ni shimo la tonsil. Kiasi na hooks na tonsillar fossa pande mbili ni fauces. Mdomo laini hufanyiza mpaka kati ya nasopharynx na oropharynx. Ni kushikamana upande kwa kuta za nasopharynx /oropharynx. Sehemu ya mbele inaendelea na homa ngumu. Mpaka wa nyuma wa homa laini unalingana kwa uhuru na unatofautishwa na mwinuko wa chini wa koni, uvula. Mdomo laini hupindika chini unapopita nyuma. Soft palate ni kufunikwa juu ya nyuso zote na epithelium ya juu ya kupumua pseudostratified aina na chini stratified squamous aina. Tabaka kubwa la chini ya utando lina tezi nyingi. Katikati, viungo mbalimbali vya misuli na aponeurosis ya mdomo hufanyiza mdomo. Aponeurosis ya palate hufanyizwa na tendons ya tensor veli palatine na imeunganishwa na mfupa wa palatine mbele. Ni nene zaidi mbele, na misuli mingine yote ya mdomo huambatana nayo. Tonsils palatine ni miundo paired ziko katika fossa tonsillar, kati ya arch mbili za oropharynx. Wao ni ovid, kwa ujumla muhimu zaidi katika utoto kabla ya umri wa kati. Tonsils zimekaa kwenye hemicapsule ya tonsillar, safu ya nyuzi tofauti na fascia ya chini ya pharyngobasilar na ya juu ya constrictor. Fossa ya tonsillar ni nafasi kati ya matao mawili ya oropharynx. Ina amonia ya palatine, hemicapsule ya amonia, utando wa utando, na tishu zilizo chini yake. Sakafu ya fossa ya tonsillar hufanyizwa na fascia ya pharyngobasilar na constrictor ya juu. Fossa ya tonsillar ni muhimu kwa sababu ya uhusiano wake wa karibu na miundo ya mishipa ya damu na ya neva. Katika sehemu ya juu ya tumbo, kuna mshipa wa uso na tawi la tonsil, mshipa wa nje wa palate, mshipa wa glossopharyngeal, na mshipa wa pharyngeal. Mshipa wa chini wa palatal unaendesha wima katika sehemu ya nyuma ya fossa. Styloglossus na hyoglossus ziko ndani sana ya fascia ya pharyngobasilar na constrictor ya juu. Epithelium ya oropharynx (ikiwa ni pamoja na palate laini na tonsils) ni squamous, non-keratinizing, na stratified. Mara nyingi tezi za chini ya utando na utando huonekana, hasa kwenye sehemu ya chini ya homa laini (chini ya aponeurosis ya homa). Tonsils ni sifa ya uso wa nje wa nonkeratinizing stratified squamous epithelium na 10-20 crypts kupenya dutu yao. Tambo ya kuunganisha huunda sehemu na inaendelea na lamina propria ya mucosa na fascia ya chini ya pharyngobasilar. Crypts ni lined na non-keratinizing stratified squamous epithelium na reticulated epithelium. Epithelium ya mwisho ina chembe zinazofanana na mtandao ambazo kupitia chembe za mfumo wa kinga zinaweza kupata yaliyomo katika crypt. Mara nyingi makaburi hayo hufunikwa na bakteria, umajimaji, au vitu vingine. Viungo vya limfu vya tonsil vimegawanywa katika vikundi vingi. Vipande vya lymphatic hupatikana kando ya septa ya tishu ya kuunganisha. Chembe nyingi za B zinazozalisha IgA, chembe za T, na chembe zinazotoa antigen ziko ndani ya epithelium ya reticular. Kumeza ni kazi muhimu ya mdomo-mkojo. Awamu ya kwanza ni ya hiari, ambapo ulimi husukuma chakula ndani ya mdomo wa mdomo. Bolus hufanyika katika nafasi iliyo kati ya epiglottis, mdomo laini, na msingi wa ulimi kabla ya awamu ya pili kuanza. Awamu ya pili ni ya haraka na isiyo ya hiari. Inahusisha kuinua homa laini na kupanua oropharynx / laryngopharynx. Misuli ya suprahyoid na ya longitudinal pharyngeal hufupika, ikiongeza larynx. Harakati hizo huficha nasopharynx kwenye pharyngeal isthmus, shimo la mdomo kwenye oropharyngeal isthmus, na mlango wa laryngeal. Awamu ya tatu pia ni isiyo ya hiari na inajumuisha kupunguzwa kwa mfululizo kwa misuli ya constrictor kutoka juu hadi chini. Hilo husukuma chakula hicho ndani ya utumbo wa tumbo. Upasuaji wa amonia huhusisha kuondolewa kwa amonia za palatine. Hemicapsule ya tonsillar hugawanyika kati ya misuli ya constrictor ya chini na fascia ya pharyngobasilar. Mifereji hiyo huunganishwa wakati kifuko hicho kinapoondolewa. Mishipa ya mdomo wa mdomo ni sawa na ile ya sehemu nyingine za mdomo wa mdomo. Damu hupatikana kutoka matawi ya nje ya mishipa ya damu, hasa mishipa ya damu ya juu na ya juu ya mshipa wa damu. Damu katika tonsil husafiri katika ateri ya tonsillar, tawi la ateri ya uso. Msaada mdogo hutokana na mishipa ya nyuma ya ulimi na sura kutoka kwa mshipa wa juu wa palatal. Damu ya mishipa kutoka oropharynx hukusanyika katika plexus nje ya pharynx. Kwa kawaida mishipa ya koo huingia moja kwa moja katika mishipa ya ndani ya koo, ya juu, au ya uso. Mishipa ya mdomo laini kwa kawaida hupita upande mmoja na kuingia kwenye plexus ya venous ya pterygoid. Mifupa ya lymphatic kutoka tonsils ya palatine hupita kupitia constrictor ya juu na kumalizika moja kwa moja katika nodes za juu za utando (II) au nodes za retropharyngeal (ambazo mara nyingi huelekeza lymph kwa kiwango cha II au III). Lymph kutoka sehemu nyingine za koo hufuata njia ileile. Lymph kutoka palate laini inaweza kuondolewa pande mbili kwa nodes ya juu ya shingo ya tumbo au submandibular. Sehemu ya nyuma ya ulimi, ambayo mara nyingi huonwa kuwa sehemu ya mdomo wa mdomo, hutiririka upande mmoja hadi upande wa juu wa ganglia ya shingo ya tumbo (kiwango cha pili). Kuingiliwa kwa muundo huu na uvimbe wa pharyngeal inahitaji kuzingatia mionzi ya shingo ya pande mbili. Oropharynx ina gill motor, visceral sensory-motor, na kipekee sensory innervation. Misuli ya oropharynx ni inervated na somatic motor nyuzi ya neva vago (X), pamoja na stylopharyngeal zinazotolewa na glossopharyngeal nerve (IX). Misuli ya branchial ya palate laini pia hupokea usambazaji wa somatic wa kioevu cha branchial kutoka kwa neva ya vagus, isipokuwa kwa tensor veli palatini, ambayo hutolewa na tawi la mgawanyiko wa maxillary wa neva ya trigeminal. Matawi ya ganglion ya pterygopalatine huingiza tezi ndogo za mate za mdomo laini na oropharynx. Hizi huanzia kwenye neva kubwa ya petrosal, sehemu ya neva ya uso (VII). Vipindi vya visceral sensory vya oropharynx (mwamba wa nyuma na upande, msingi wa ulimi) pia ni kazi ya neva ya vagus, isipokuwa kwa tatu ya nyuma ya lugha, ambayo hupokea visceral kutoka kwa neva ya glossopharyngeal (IX). Mfupa wa vagus huunganisha vipokezi vya ladha katika homa laini. Katika sehemu ya tatu ya nyuma ya ulimi, kazi hiyo hufanywa na neva ya glossopharyngeal. Njia za kuenea kwa kansa Tumors za Oropharyngeal zinaweza kuwa na uvamizi mkubwa wa ndani katika miundo inayozunguka. Hilo laweza kutia ndani laryngopharynx, shimo la mdomo, au nasopharynx. Vinginevyo, upanuzi wa upande ndani ya tishu ya fossa ya tonsillar inaweza kusababisha kukandamiza ya glossopharyngeal (IX) neva. Ugonjwa wa T4 unaendelea kwa muda mrefu, na huathiri mifupa ya palatine, mandibula, larynx, na pterygoid. Ugonjwa huo unaweza kufunika mshipa wa damu (hatua ya T4b). Katika saratani ya oropharyngeal, nyuzi za lymph zinazohusika ni nyuzi za retropharyngeal na nyuzi za juu za shingo ya tumbo (hadi 75% ya kesi). Vipande vya darasa la 3 na 4 pia huathiriwa mara nyingi kuliko darasa la 1 au la 5. kuenea kwa hematogenic kwa mbali kwa ugonjwa mbaya ni nadra katika hatua za mapema za saratani ya oropharyngeal lakini kwa ujumla huathiri mapafu ikiwa hutokea. Oropharynx ni extensively innervated na visceral motor na neva sensory yanayotokana na neva cranial <unk> glossopharyngeal neva na neva vagus. Kansa yaweza kupenya mishipa hiyo ya neva na baadaye kuhamia kwenye shimo la nyuma la fuvu la kichwa. Kazi kuu za koo ni za kupumua na za kumeng'enya chakula. Misuli ya koo husaidia katika utaratibu wa kumeza na kutoa njia ya chakula kusonga kutoka kinywani hadi kwenye utumbo. Ulimi unaposukuma chakula kilichokunywa kuelekea nyuma ya mdomo, mfereji wa hewa hufungwa, na chakula hupita ndani ya pua. Misuli hufanya kazi ili kumeza chakula na kukihamisha hadi kwenye utumbo wa kulevya. Mdomo wa pua huruhusu hewa inayopumuliwa ipite kutoka pua hadi kwenye mdomo wa pua, mfereji wa hewa, na mapafu. Mfereji wa damu unaounganisha pua na mdomo, huwezesha binadamu kupumua kupitia pua na mdomo. Mkojo hufanya kazi pamoja na misuli mingine inayohusiana na usemi ili kutokeza sauti na huchangia sauti. Inaunganishwa na shimo la sikio kwa pande zote mbili kupitia mabomba ya Eustachian; hii husaidia kulinganisha shinikizo linaloundwa na hewa kwenye eardrums. Viungo vya lymphoid vilivyopatikana katika pharynx hutimiza fungu dogo katika kudhibiti mfumo wa kinga wa mwili. Tissue za lymphatic ambazo hufanyiza tonsils zinadhibiti chembe na vijidudu vinavyoingia pua au koo na kuzuia mchanganyiko na hewa inayoingia mapafu au chakula kinachoingia tumbo. Matatizo ya kliniki ya pharynx Pharyngitis: inahusu uvimbe wa pharynx ambayo husababisha uvimbe, mwekundu, na maumivu wakati wa kumeza. Katika visa vikali, dawa za kuua viini zinahitaji kuagizwa na daktari. Laryngopharyngeal reflux: Hii ni ya kawaida kwa wale walio na matatizo ya tumbo wakati asidi za tumbo zinapopanda kupitia esophagus. Tonsillitis <unk> Tonsils Palatine wakati mwingine kuwa kuwaka moto na maambukizo ya bakteria au virusi na kisha kuwa usumbufu au uchungu. Vipande vya limfu vinaongezeka, na huenda kukawa na matatizo ya kusema au kumeza. Kwa kawaida, upasuaji wa kuondoa matone huhitajiwa. Ulemavu wa koo: Hali hii yaweza kutokea kwa sababu ya maambukizo ya koo na magonjwa kama vile ugonjwa wa kukohoa, polio, na ugonjwa wa kuvu. Saratani ya koo ni ugonjwa wa tumbo la tumbo, ambao husababisha maumivu ya shingo na shingo, na inaweza kusababisha upungufu wa pua, maumivu ya shingo, maumivu ya masikio, matatizo ya kumeza, na wakati mwingine upofu. Matibabu ya pharyngitis Ugonjwa wa kawaida unaosababishwa na pharynx ni pharyngitis. Ikiwa una tatizo hili, daktari wako atachunguza koo lako kwa ajili ya madoa ya kijivu au nyeupe. Daktari atachunguza hata pua na sikio ili kuona kama kuna tezi za limfu zilizovimba karibu na shingo. Daktari anapogundua tatizo, atafanya uchunguzi wa koo. Baada ya kuchunguza koo, daktari angefanya pia uchunguzi wa damu ili kutambua kisababishi halisi cha ugonjwa wa koo. Mfano wa damu hutumwa kwa ajili ya vipimo ili kuamua kama una mononucleosis au maambukizo. Matatizo mengi ya koo hupona ndani ya juma moja. Kwa kawaida dawa za kuua viini huagizwa ili kuthibitisha kwamba hatari ya ugonjwa huo imepungua kabisa. Mbali na dawa za kupunguza maumivu, daktari anapendekeza: - Kula chakula baridi, laini ambayo ni zaidi ya kioevu kutoelewana. - Epuka kuvuta sigareti. - Epuka peremende ngumu, popsicles, cubes barafu, na vidonge. - Gargle juu ya msingi wa matokeo na maji ya joto, chumvi. Oropharynx ni mojawapo ya visababishi vya kawaida vya kansa ya kichwa na shingo nchini Marekani. Inakadiriwa kuwa kati ya watu 11,000 na 13,000 wanaugua kansa ya mdomo na pua kila mwaka nchini Marekani. Ugonjwa huu unaitwa squamous cell carcinoma na ni ugonjwa unaosababishwa na seli za epithelial ambazo hufunika sehemu ya juu ya mfumo wa kumeng'enya hewa. Karsinoma ya chembe za squamous yaweza pia kutokea katika maeneo mengine mengi, kutia ndani ngozi, mapafu, kibofu cha mkojo, na shingo ya tumbo la uzazi. Hata hivyo, tabia ya uvimbe na njia za kutibu hutofautiana sana kati ya sehemu mbalimbali za mwili. Wanaume wana uwezekano mkubwa zaidi ya mara nne kuliko wanawake wa kuambukizwa saratani ya seli ya oropharyngeal squamous (OPSCC) na hatari ya kila mwaka ya watu 6.2 kwa kila wanaume 100,000 ikilinganishwa na 1.4 kwa kila wanawake 100,000. Ugonjwa huo unaenea zaidi miongoni mwa wanaume weusi na wazungu na chini zaidi miongoni mwa Wahispania, Wenyeji wa Asili wa Amerika, na Waasi wa Visiwa vya Pasifiki. Je, nina uvimbe wa oropharynx? Kwa kawaida kansa ya mdomo wa mdomo huanza katika matone, mdomo laini, au tishu inayofanana na matone kwenye msingi wa ulimi. Ugonjwa wa kansa huanza katika utando wa utando wa utando (squamous cell carcinoma) lakini pia unaweza kutokea katika chembe nyeupe za damu (lymphoma) au chembe za epithelial (adenocarcinoma). Dalili za mapema za uvimbe wa mdomo wa mdomo ni pamoja na maendeleo ya tonsils asymmetrical, maumivu kama vile maumivu ya koo ya kudumu, hasa maumivu ambayo risasi katika sikio moja, ugumu au maumivu wakati wa kumeza, sauti ya sauti, au kamba katika shingo. Daktari wako anaweza kuona uvimbe katika eneo hili bila vifaa maalum, lakini anaweza kuhitaji vioo vya kipekee au darubini za nyuzi za macho. Huenda daktari akahitaji pia kugusa sehemu ya nyuma ya koo kwa kidole kilichofunikwa kwa glavu. Biopsia inahitajika ili kuthibitisha utambuzi. Mara nyingi, eneo hilo lazima lichukuliwe na mgonjwa chini ya anesthesia ya jumla. Matibabu ya kansa ya mdomo na pua kwa kawaida hutia ndani upasuaji au tiba ya mnururisho pamoja na au bila tiba ya kemikali. Uvimbe mdogo waweza kuondolewa kwa upasuaji bila kupoteza utendaji wa koo. Upasuaji wa kuondoa uvimbe mkubwa unaweza kufanywa ikiwa inahitajika (kwa mfano, ikiwa tiba ya kemikali na mionzi haifanyi kazi), lakini upasuaji huu unahitaji ujenzi wa koo na kudhoofisha uwezo wa kumeza.