Hypopharyngeal cancer (patient information)
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Hypopharyngeal cancer |
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Hypopharyngeal cancer On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Gertrude Djouka, M.D.[2]
Overview
Cancer of the throat is the cancer of pharynx (bottom part of the throat), voice box (larynx), vocal cords, and others areas.
What are the Symptoms of Hypopharyngeal cancer?
- A Sore throat that doesn't go away
- A Lump in the neck
- Pain or ringing in the ears
- Trouble swallowing
- Ear pain
- Change in the voice
What Causes Hypopharyngeal cancer?
People who smoke or use tobacco are at risk of developing throat cancer. Excessive alcohol use also increases risk. Smoking and drinking alcohol combined lead to an increased risk for throat cancers.
Who is at Highest Risk?
Most cancers of the throat develop in adults older than 50. Men are more likely than women to develop throat cancers.
Diagnosis
The doctor will perform a physical exam. This may show a lump on the outside of the neck.
Tests may include:
- Biopsy of suspected tumor
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan of chest
- CT scan of head and neck
- Endoscopy
- PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography scan)
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?
Call your health care provider if:
You have symptoms of throat cancer, especially hoarseness or a change in voice with no obvious cause that lasts longer than 3 weeks You find a lump in your neck that does not go away in 2 - 3 weeks.
Treatment Options
The goal of treatment is to completely remove the tumor, and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.
When the tumor is small, either surgery or radiation therapy alone can be used to remove the tumor.
When the tumor is larger or has spread to lymph nodes in the neck, a combination of radiation and chemotherapy is often used to preserve the voice box.
Some patients need surgery to remove the tumor, including all or part of the vocal cords (laryngectomy). If you have a laryngectomy, speech therapy can help you learn other ways to talk.
Many patients also need swallowing therapy after treatment to help them adjust to the changes in the structure of the throat.
Where to find Medical Care for (Disease name)?
Medical care for (disease name) can be found here.
Prevention
- Avoid smoking and tobacco exposure
- Avoid drinking alcohol
- Avoid HPV infection
- Use of industrial respirators and workplace ventilation
- Eat healthy and balance diets