Soft Palate Cancer

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose soft palate cancer aim to identify suspicious areas, confirm whether cancer is present and determine the extent of the disease. A healthcare professional examines the mouth and neck using a mirror or a small camera to look for lumps, sores or other changes in the soft palate. The neck may also be checked for swollen lymph nodes, as these are often the first place soft palate cancer spreads.

A biopsy is typically required to confirm the diagnosis. This involves removing a sample of tissue from the suspicious area using various techniques. The sample is analyzed in a laboratory to determine if cancer cells are present. Additional testing may show whether the cancer cells have markers such as HPV, which can help guide treatment decisions.

Imaging tests may be done to understand the size and location of the cancer. These tests can include X-ray, CT, MRI and PET scans. Imaging helps identify whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and assists in treatment planning.

Treatment

Treatment for soft palate cancer often involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or targeted treatments. The approach depends on factors such as the location of the tumor, how fast it is growing, whether it has spread and the results of laboratory tests. Personal factors, including age and overall health, also help shape the treatment plan.

Surgery is used to remove the cancer and some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are cleared. In some cases, surgery may affect the ability to speak or swallow, and rehabilitation can help manage these changes. When cancer spreads to lymph nodes, a neck dissection may be performed to remove them. Even without clear signs of spread, some lymph nodes may be removed as a precaution. Sentinel node biopsy may be an option in select cases to determine whether cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes.

Reconstructive surgery may be needed when cancer surgery removes parts of the face, tongue, jaw or throat. Tissue or bone from other parts of the body can be used to restore appearance and function. This reconstruction can sometimes be done during the same procedure as cancer removal, depending on the specifics of the case.

Radiation therapy may be recommended after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells. It can also be combined with chemotherapy for improved results. In cases where surgery is not possible or not preferred, radiation therapy may be used as the primary treatment.

Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells and may be combined with radiation to enhance its effects. Targeted therapy may be used when cancer has spread to other parts of the body or returns after treatment. These medicines work by blocking specific chemicals within cancer cells, making it harder for them to grow.

Immunotherapy may be used when cancer spreads or does not respond to other treatments. This approach strengthens the immune system’s ability to identify and destroy cancer cells.

Recovery from advanced soft palate cancer treatment may require therapy to improve speech and eating. A rehabilitation team can provide the support needed to adjust to changes and improve quality of life.