Hypopharyngeal Cancer
A cancer of the throat, hypopharyngeal cancer can spread undetected quickly, making it one of the most deadly types of head and neck cancers.
Abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lining of the hypopharynx, which is located in the bottom part of our throat and makes up part of our esophagus. Hypopharyngeal cancer is typically asymptomatic until it has spread, making it difficult to effectively treat.
Heavy alcohol use and smoking tobacco products can cause the cells inside the hypopharynx to change. Compared to non-smokers and nondrinkers, you are up to 100 times more likely to develop a head and neck cancer if you both smoke and drink. Precancerous cells will usually go away if you quit smoking or drinking today.
See your doctor if you have ear pain, painful swallowing or your voice becomes hoarse.
Recently Answered
- Q What factors affect the prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer?
-
The patient's age and overall health, the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, and the extent of spread, or metastasis, all affect the prognosis of hypopharyngeal cancer. While the stage defines whether the cancer has spread, the total volume of cancer that... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What are the stages of hypopharyngeal cancer?
-
Hypopharyngeal cancer is staged 0 to IV. Stage 0 cancer has not invaded any local tissue or spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. Stage I cancer is more invasive locally, but has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs. Stage II is more invasive... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How is hypopharyngeal cancer staged?
-
Hypopharyngeal cancer is staged using the TNM staging system where T refers to the primary tumor, N refers to lymph nodes, and M refers to distant metastasis. T is divided into several subcategories based on the extent of local invasion. TX indicates... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How do other illnesses affect hypopharyngeal cancer?
-
If you have hypopharyngeal cancer, some of the treatments may increase your risk of infection. In order to reduce your risk, you should try to avoid people who are coughing and sneezing. You also may wish to carry a small container of hand sanitizer so... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Are there different types of hypopharyngeal cancer?
-
Cancer develops when normal cells change and start to divide and grow too rapidly. The type of cell that undergoes change is used to classify different cancers. While some cells, like those found in the blood, are round, squamous cells are flat and tend... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Is hypopharyngeal cancer serious?
-
Hypopharyngeal cancer can be very serious as this form of cancer tends to spread quickly. The cancer stage, which defines the extent of invasion and metastasis, is an important determinant of prognosis. The five year survival in patients whose cancer is... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is the rate of incidence of hypopharyngeal cancer?
-
Many cancer statistics are available through the SEER (Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results) Cancer Statistics Review. This database combines statistics for hypopharyngeal cancer with those for other cancers in the mouth and pharynx. The rate of... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Is there a cure for hypopharyngeal cancer?
-
While there are treatments available for hypopharyngeal cancer, the overall five year survival rate is under 50 percent. Factors that affect prognosis include the stage at diagnosis and the overall health of the patient. Treatment is more likely to be... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my hypopharyngeal cancer symptoms?
-
If you develop symptoms consistent with hypopharyngeal cancer, it is important for you to talk to your doctor. While cough and sore throat may occur with the common cold, a sore throat that does not go away is suggestive of a more serious illness.... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is hypopharyngeal cancer?
-
The pharynx, or throat, is divided into the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx, which is the lowest portion. Hypopharyngeal cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when the cells of the hypopharynx become abnormal and start to grow and divide more... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
