Cancers of the oropharynx often metastasize to upper and middle jugular chain lymph nodes (Levels II and III), but can also spread to retropharyngeal lymph nodes, which distinguishes them from oral cavity tumors and must be considered when treating oropharyngeal cancers. Tumors in this site are generally treated with radiotherapy, as a single modality for T 1/2 or N 0/1 stages. Increas- ingly, some of these cancers are associated with human papilloma virus 16 infection, especially in nonsmokers. However, for patients with more advanced disease, T 3/4 or N 2 b/c/3 staging, chemora- diotherapy most often with a concomitant approach has become standard. Cisplatin, administered during weeks 1, 4, and.
