Summary about Hypopharyngeal Cancer in English
Hypopharyngeal cancer is a special type of cancer in which cancerous cells grow at the place where the larynx and esophagus meet up (hypopharynx). Cancer of the hypopharynx is a term used for tumors of a secondary root of the upper aerodigestive tract. The difference is more anatomical than pathophysiological in the group of malignant tumors of the head and neck. Cancer of the hypopharynx is formed in the tissues of the hypopharynx (lower neck). It may spread to the surrounding tissue or cartilage around the thyroid or trachea, the bone below the tongue (hyoid bone), the thyroid, the trachea, the larynx or the esophagus. It can also spread to the lymph nodes of the neck, the carotid artery, tissues around the upper spine, the wall of the thoracic cavity and other parts of the body. It is caused by the high rate of smoking or alcoholism. Inflamed lymph nodes are the first sign of this cancer but the severe pain from throat to ears and difficulty in swallowing is also associated with it. For its treatment purposes, physicians consider the age of patient and stage of cancer. According to that, they may recommend chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgical procedure to cure it completely.