Hypopharynx

This is the lower 1/3 of the throat (pharynx). Tumours in this area are relatively silent in comparision to other areas and are thus found at a more advanced stage. While most cancers are related to tobacco and alcohol, certain cancers in this area are more common amongst women and not related to any habits.

Signs & Symptoms

• Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
• Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
• Change in voice
• Weight loss
• Mass in the neck
• Pain in the ear

It Includes

• The area just above the food pipe and including the first part of the food pipe (cervical esophagus)
• The area around the voice box (larynx) i.e. the pyriform sinuses on each side
• The back wall of the throat (the posterior pharyngeal wall)

Risk Factors

• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Plummer-Vinson syndrome
• Female sex

Consult Dr. Vishal Choksi, one of the best head and neck surgeon for hypopharynx cancer.