Tonsil Cancer

Treatment

Treatment for early stage tonsil cancer typically consists of surgery or radiation. Late stage cancers may require a combination of radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. A team of experienced Mayo Clinic doctors from multiple specialties work together to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient with tonsil cancer. The treatment team's goal is to begin treatment, if needed, within one to two days after the initial patient consultation.

Surgery

Surgery is commonly used to manage all stages of tonsil cancer. The type of procedure performed depends on the size, type, location and depth of the tumor. Very small tumors that have not spread beyond the tonsil may be treated with surgery alone.

At Mayo Clinic, most tumors are removed through the mouth (transoral surgery). This approach does not require lengthy reconstruction and rehabilitation of the throat region after surgery to improve speech and swallowing function. In a study of Mayo's treatment experience, more than 80 percent of patients who had tonsil cancers removed with transoral surgery had no cancer recurrence in the five years following surgery.

Head and neck surgeons in Arizona and Minnesota offer the additional capability of transoral robotic surgery, which provides more precise access to the tumors. A Mayo Clinic study found that using transoral robotic surgery for treatment of tonsil cancer is safe, effective and enables faster recovery times.

Tumors that have spread in the neck are removed through an external neck incision. Surgeons often remove bulky tumors piece by piece to maintain as much of the structure and function of the head and neck organs. Mayo surgeons work closely with pathologists during surgery to identify tumor boundaries to allow for complete removal of the tumor. If the tumor has spread beyond the tonsils, nearby lymph nodes are removed.

Mayo's advanced surgical approaches preserve the option to use other therapies if more tumors develop after surgery. Treatment can be supplemented with the addition of chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both, depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the tumor. Subsequent tissue samples to assess whether a tumor has recurred or spread can be helpful in appropriately directing additional therapy after surgery.

Reconstructive surgery

Reconstructive surgery may be necessary for patients with advanced tumors who experience face, jaw or neck disfigurement after tumor removal surgery. Experienced Mayo Clinic plastic surgeons, otorhinolaryngologists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons work together to restore the physical appearance of the face, jaw or neck and use of the mouth.

Radiation Therapy

Cancers that have spread can sometimes be treated with radiation therapy or a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Mayo Clinic patients have access to the most advanced systems for radiation treatment planning and delivery, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which precisely targets radiation to tumor cells, protecting nearby normal tissue.

Chemotherapy

To treat advanced, cancerous tonsil tumors, Mayo medical oncologists may recommend chemotherapy treatment.

Rehabilitation

Some patients may need treatment to improve their swallowing and speech function after major surgery. Mayo offers help from speech, swallowing, physical and occupational therapists, and dietitians. The Nicotine Dependence Center at Mayo Clinic can help patients who want to stop using tobacco. Heavy use of nicotine may increase the risk of developing tonsil cancer.