DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2025.v11i05.039

Pages: 591-593

Introduction: Cancers of the oropharynx account for around 25% of all cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract. The aim of our work is to study the epidemiological and therapeutic particularities of oropharyngeal cancers. Methods: This is a retrospective study carried out in the onco-radiotherapy department of the oncology and hematology hospital of CHU Mohammed VI in Marrakech, during the period from January 2019 to December 2023. Results: Our study included 46 patients. The mean age was 56.8 years, with a male predominance. Among the etiological factors, smoking intoxication was found in 31.2% and alcohol intoxication in 18.7%. The most frequent presenting sign was dysphagia (41.3%). The median delay between the appearance of the first symptoms and the first consultation was 8.5 months. The site of the tumour was the tonsils in 50% of cases, the base of the tongue in 39.5%, the pharyngeal wall in 6.5% and the soft palate in 4%. Almost all were squamous cell carcinomas. Tumors classified as T4 accounted for 31.2% of cases, 37.5% were T3, 18.7% were T2 and 12.5% were T1. Lymph node involvement was found in 78% of patients. 22% of patients were treated surgically, of whom 16% received adjuvant radiotherapy. 78% were treated exclusively with radio-chemotherapy. Progression was marked by complete remission in 46% of patients, recurrence in 18% and death in 12%. Conclusion: Oropharyngeal cancers have a severe prognosis due to delayed diagnosis and treatment difficulties. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management are key to improving prognosis.