Hypopharyngeal cancer: causes, symptoms, and treatment & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is hypopharyngeal cancer?

The hypopharynx is located at the bottom (throat). The pharynx is a hollow tube about 12 cm long that starts at the back of the nose, goes down the neck, and ends at the top of the trachea (throat) and esophagus (the tube from the esophagus to the stomach). Air and food pass through the pharynx on its way to the trachea or esophagus.

Hypopharyngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the hypopharyngeal tissue. This is a type of head and neck cancer.

How common is hypopharyngeal cancer?

Hypopharyngeal cancer can affect patients at any age. One type of throat cancer can be treated by reducing your risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of hypopharyngeal cancer?

Common symptoms of hypopharyngeal cancer are:

• Sore throat that doesn't go away
• Ear pain
• Lump on the neck
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• Change in voice

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you experience the signs or symptoms of throat cancer mentioned above, or have any questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body reacts differently. It is always better to discuss what is best for your situation with your doctor.

Cause

What causes hypopharyngeal cancer?

It is not known what causes laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer. However, it is known that there are many risk factors for this type of throat cancer.

Triggers

What increases a person's risk of developing hypopharyngeal cancer?

There are many trigger factors that can put a person at risk for hypopharyngeal cancer, such as:

• Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
• Excessive alcohol use
• Lack of nutrients in the diet
• Presence of Plummer-Vinson syndrome (a disorder associated with anemia due to severe long-term iron deficiency)

Diagnosis and Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

How is hypopharyngeal cancer diagnosed?

Some of the tests and procedures that can be done to diagnose this type of throat cancer include:

• Physical examination of the throat. This examination is performed by the doctor feeling for swollen lymph nodes in the neck and looking into the throat with a small, long-handled mirror to check for any abnormal areas.
• CT scan (CAT scan). A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas in the body, taken from different angles. A computer-generated image is connected to the machine x-ray. The dye can be injected into a vein or taken orally to help make organs or tissues more clearly visible.
• PET scan (Positron Emission Tomography scan). A procedure to find malignant tumor cells in the body. PET scanner revolves around the body and creates pictures of where glucose is being used in the body. Malignant tumor cells appear brighter in the picture because they are more active and use more glucose than normal cells use. PET scan and CT scan can be done at the same time.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). A procedure that uses magnets, radio waves, and a computer to create a series of detailed images of areas inside the body.
• Bone scan. A procedure to check for rapidly dividing cells, such as cancer cells, in the bone. Very small amounts of radioactive material are injected into the veins and travel through the blood. Radioactive material collects in bones and is detected by scanner.
• Barium esophagogram (X-ray esophagus). The patient drinks fluids containing barium (a white-silver metal compound). This fluid coats the esophagus and x-ray done.
• Endoscopy. A procedure used to examine an area in the throat that cannot be seen with a mirror in a physical examination of the throat. An endoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the nose or mouth to check the throat for anything that looks unusual. Tissue samples can be taken for biopsy.
• Esophagoscopy. A procedure to look inside the esophagus to check for abnormal areas. An esophagoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the nose or mouth and down the esophagus. Tissue samples can be taken for biopsy.
• Bronchoscopy. A procedure to check the trachea and large airways in the lungs for abnormal areas. A bronchoscope (a thin, lighted tube) is inserted through the nose or mouth and into the trachea and lungs. Tissue samples can be taken for biopsy.
• Biopsy. Removal of cells or tissue so that they can be viewed under a microscope to check for signs of cancer.

What are the treatments for hypopharyngeal cancer?

The treatment given for this type of throat cancer varies, depending on the following causes:

• Cancer stage
• Maintain the patient's ability to speak, eat, and breathe as normally as possible
• General health of the patient

Patients who have had hypopharyngeal cancer have a higher risk of developing a second cancer of the head or neck. Regular and thorough follow-up is essential.

Treatment by stage

In Stage I, treatment may include pharyngectomy (removal of the pharynx) and surgery to remove lymph nodes or other tissue in the neck. Radiation therapy can be done after surgery in some patients which is usually given to the lymph nodes. Another option can use radiation therapy alone.

Treatment of stage II hypopharyngeal cancer may include laryngopharyngectomy total or partial (removal of the larynx and pharynx) and surgery to remove lymph nodes or other tissue in the neck. Radiation therapy to lymph nodes in the neck may be performed after surgery in some patients. Other options include chemotherapy followed by radiation or surgery, depending on the cancer's response to chemotherapy.

Treatment can include the following methods:

• Radiation therapy before or after surgery, with or without chemotherapy
• Chemotherapy followed by surgery and / or radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy given at the same time as radiation therapy
• Surgery followed by chemotherapy given at the same time as radiation therapy
• Reconstructive surgery to help with eating, breathing, or speaking if all or part of the hypopharynx is removed

Prevention

What can I do to prevent and treat hypopharyngeal cancer?

Here are some lifestyle changes you can make to treat hypopharyngeal cancer:

Make healthier choices

Maybe you can try to eat better or get more exercise. Cut down on alcohol is also a good idea and stop using tobacco. Even things like controlling stress levels can help.

Rest, fatigue, and exercise

Extreme fatigue, called fatigue, is very common in people undergoing cancer treatment. Sport is considered capable of overcoming this problem. Consult your medical team before starting any sport. Ask them for their opinion on the exercise program you should run.

In exercising, try to find friends (partners) so that you don't go it alone. Having family or friends involved when you start a new exercise program can provide a supportive boost to keep you from giving up when you're not motivated.

In addition, don't forget to get plenty of rest so that your throat cancer recovery can go well.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.