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.

 
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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