[Prospective follow-up of 27 tumors of the oropharynx].

The diagnosis of an oropharyngeal tumor should be simple because the site is easily accessible. However, these tumors are not often diagnosed is early stages, even when lesions are visible. We followed-up 27 oropharyngeal tumors from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 1997. Etiological data, the characteristics of the problem leading to diagnosis, and time from symptoms to definitive diagnosis were studied. Histopathological differentiation and stage determination were analyzed. Therapeutic strategy and post-treatment evolution were studied, among other parameters. Our results suggest that the most important etiopathogenic factors in the development of oropharyngeal carcinoma were alcohol and tobacco use, to effects of which are potentiated at this site. The most frequent primary oropharyngeal site was the tonsils in 58% of patients. Treatment of each tumor should be individualized. The general prognosis is poor because 40% of patients are stage IV.