Oropharyngeal cancer,[1][2][3] also known as oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and tonsil cancer,[1] is a disease in which abnormal cells with the potential to both grow locally and spread to other parts of the body are found in the oral cavity, in the tissue of the part of the throat (oropharynx) that includes the base of the tongue, the tonsils, the soft palate, and the walls of the pharynx.

The National Cancer Institute (2016) provides the following definition:[14] Abnormal cells are found in the lining of the oropharynx.

Regarding the primary prevention of HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer, educating people on the risks of chewing betel quid, alcohol use, and tobacco smoking is of the prime importance in the control and prevention of oropharyngeal cancers.

[15][16] The prognosis for people with oropharyngeal cancer depends on the age and health of the person and the stage of the disease.

Other treatments have been developed including a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, but with limited improvement in survival rates.