Hypopharyngeal Cancer Treated at Karmanos

Treatment of Hypopharyngeal Cancer

What is hypopharyngeal cancer?

Hypopharyngeal cancer is a rare type of throat cancer that begins in the hypopharynx, which is a lower part of the throat (pharynx) just behind your voice box (larynx). This is a cancer that is a part of the broader category of head and neck cancers.

What causes hypopharyngeal cancer?

Although health care professionals are not sure what causes hypopharyngeal cancer, it is clear that it begins in the lining of the hypopharynx. These cells begin to mutate and become cancerous and quickly multiply creating tumors. Researchers have found significant risk factors for this type of cancer. For example, smoking is the single largest risk factor for developing throat cancer, including hypopharyngeal cancer. This can include smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes or chewing tobacco.

What are the risk factors of hypopharyngeal cancer?

Hypopharyngeal cancers are often grouped with other cancers of the head and neck because many of the risk factors are the same for the cancer groups. These risk factors include the following:

• Tobacco use: Tobacco use is the highest risk factor for head and neck cancers. People who use both tobacco and alcohol have the highest risk of all.
• Poor nutrition: People who have poor nutrition are at a higher risk of getting hypopharyngeal cancer.
• Inherited gene mutations, like fanconi anemia or dyskeratosis congenita: People with these syndromes are at a higher risk of developing this cancer.
• Workplace exposures: Long exposures to wood dust, paint fumes and certain chemicals in a workplace can lead to a higher risk of hypopharyngeal cancer.
• Gender: Cancers of the hypopharynx are about 5 times more common in men than in women.
• Age: People are most commonly diagnosed with hypopharyngeal cancer at 65 years of age or older.
• Race: Hypopharyngeal cancer is more common among African Americans and non-Hispanic White.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): GERD is thought to increase the risk of hypopharyngeal cancer

What are the signs of hypopharyngeal cancer?

Common signs and symptoms of hypopharyngeal cancer can vary from patient to patient, and they may include the following:

• Difficulty or pain with swallowing.
• Unexplained ear discomfort.
• Hoarse voice.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Painless lump or mass on the neck.
• Coughing blood.

What are treatment options for hypopharyngeal cancer?

Treatment often depends on the size of the tumor and if the cancer has spread to other surrounding parts of the body. Surgery or hypopharyngeal cancer may include:

• Partial laryngopharyngectomy: A procedure that removes parts of the larynx and hypopharynx, retaining the patient’s ability to speak.
• Total laryngopharyngectomy: A procedure where the entire larynx and hypopharynx are removed, including the vocal cords.
• Neck dissection: A procedure involving the removal of lymph nodes from the neck, where cancer often can spread.

The Head and Neck Multidisciplinary Team at Karmanos Cancer Institute will customize an individualized treatment plan depending on the location of the tumor, the stage of the cancer, and the person’s age and overall health. Speaking with a cancer expert will allow you to find the best treatment option for you.

Early detection is one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against cancer.

When it comes to world-class cancer care close to home, look no further than Karmanos. Information includes hypopharyngeal cancer, causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.