Hypopharyngeal cancer is a rare type of throat cancer that begins when cells in this structure mutate and start to multiply rapidly.
The cancer forms in the hypopharynx, which is the bottom part of the pharynx, a tube-like structure involved in both breathing and swallowing. The hypopharynx wraps around the larynx, or voice box, and ends where the oesophagus begins.
Nearly all hypopharyngeal cancers originate in the structure's lining, which is made up of thin, flat cells known as squamous cells. For this reason, most cases are classified as squamous cell carcinoma.
Hypopharyngeal cancer is an aggressive disease. It tends to spread to nearby structures and distant parts of the body earlier than many other types of cancer. Symptoms often do not appear until the disease has reached a more advanced stage.
A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease. The primary risk factors include:
Since the hypopharynx is connected to the larynx, hypopharyngeal cancer shares many symptoms with laryngeal cancer.
Symptoms that may indicate hypopharyngeal cancer include:
The document also provides general signs associated with oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the back of the tongue and tonsils):
Most symptoms of throat cancer can also be caused by much less serious conditions, such as allergies, laryngitis, or strep throat. If a symptom resolves on its own or with a simple treatment like antibiotics, it is usually one of these benign conditions. However, if any symptom persists for more than two weeks or does not improve despite appropriate treatment, it is important to see a specialist, such as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor.
Early and accurate diagnosis is critical for a successful treatment outcome and for maintaining the patient's quality of life, especially their ability to speak and swallow.
A doctor will begin by examining the patient and inquiring about their health, lifestyle (including smoking and drinking habits), and family medical history.
The following tests are used to diagnose hypopharyngeal and throat cancers, determine if they have spread, and monitor their response to treatment:
This is often the initial test. A small camera is passed through the nose to examine the nasopharynx, oropharynx, and larynx, helping the doctor decide if a biopsy is necessary.
A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose throat cancer. It involves retrieving suspected cancer tissue for examination under a microscope. Different methods are used based on the tumour's location:
These exams help locate the suspected cancer, check for metastasis (spread), and monitor the disease's progression. They may include:
These tests are used to understand the patient's throat function to help with treatment planning:
Staging determines the extent of the disease (size of the primary tumour and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other organs). This information is vital for deciding the best treatment and overall prognosis. Hypopharyngeal cancer is staged from Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ) up to Stage IV (including IVA, IVB, and IVC), with criteria based on tumour size, involvement of adjacent structures (like the larynx or oesophagus), and the size and number of affected lymph nodes.
At SSCHRC, treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer is highly customised to maximise the chance of cure while focusing on preserving crucial functions like speaking, breathing, and swallowing. A multidisciplinary team of experts, including a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, head and neck surgeon, and plastic surgeon, leads the patient's care.
Treatment may involve one or more of the following therapies, depending on the type and spread of the cancer:
Surgery is a common treatment for most throat cancers.
Radiation therapy uses powerful, focused beams of energy to destroy cancer cells. Various modern techniques are employed to accurately target the tumour while minimising damage to healthy tissue.
These treatments use medication to affect cancer cells throughout the body.
Cancer of the throat and its treatments can impact a patient's ability to eat, drink, speak, and can also affect their appearance. SSCHRC offers specialized therapies and services to help patients adjust to and overcome these challenges:
Regular follow-up and screenings are vital because of the high risk of throat cancer recurring. Patients are advised to see their doctors every three to six months for the first two years after treatment, as most recurrences happen within this period. Furthermore, patients are strongly urged not to smoke or drink alcohol during and after treatment, as these habits can reduce the success of treatments, worsen side effects, and greatly increase the chance of the cancer returning.