Hypopharyngeal Cancer is a rare form of throat cancer where the proliferation of malignant cells usually arises in the hypopharynx region of the throat. The hypopharynx region is located at the bottom part of the throat, just beneath the voice box (larynx). Hypopharyngeal cancer is chiefly categorized under head and neck cancers.

Although both Hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers are a type of throat cancers; the difference mainly lies depending upon the part of the throat they affect. While Hypopharyngeal cancer usually ensues in cells that make up the lower part of the pharynx, right above the oesophagus, Laryngeal cancer on the other hand grows inside the cells of the larynx also known as the voice box.
Hypoharyngeal Cancer

Hypopharyngeal cancer is usually an aggressive form of cancer and can damage the throat, voice and nearby organs if not treated on time. 

Also Read: Laryngeal Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Causes

Although the exact cause of Hypopharyngeal cancer is yet unknown, several pieces of research indicate that it mainly transpires when there are certain changes or mutations in the genetic code of the DNA of the squamous epidermal cells of the hypopharynx region. These mutations trigger the normal cells to grow and increase in both size and number uncontrollably. These abnormal cells instead of dying like the regular ones keep amassing to form a tumorous mass of cells in the hypopharynx region leading to cancer.

Risk Factors

Certain causative factors that increase the risk of Hypopharyngeal cancer include:

Age: Hypopharyngeal cancer is commonly diagnosed in adults above the age of 50

Gender: It is more widespread in men than the women counterpart

Poor Nutrition: A diet lacking in fresh fruits, vegetables and fluids and mainly containing processed, salt-cured foods, i.e., fish, meat and vegetables aggravates the risk of this type of cancer

Family History: The incidence of Hypopharyngeal cancer increases if one or more members of the family have been diagnosed with this type of cancer or throat cancer or any other type of head and neck cancer in the past

Viral Infection: The common HPV or Human Papillomavirus aggravates an individual’s risk of getting Hypopharyngeal cancer

Previous Cancer Therapy: Receiving radiation therapy to treat cancer or another problem near the head or neck increases the susceptibility of this type of cancer

Other Health Conditions: Having been diagnosed with Plummer-Vinson syndrome (a disorder correlated to severe, long-term iron deficiency anaemia) increases the chances of developing Hypopharyngeal cancer as well

Unhealthy Addiction: Extreme consumption of tobacco or alcohol in any form increases the chance  of Hypopharyngeal cancer

Metal Exposure: Long-term exposure to carcinogenic compounds like arsenic, and asbestos ups the incidence of Hypopharyngeal cancer

Also Read: Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Symptoms

Unlike other forms of throat cancer, the characteristic indications of Hypopharyngeal cancer are easy to detect. These include:

  • Change in the voice
  • Hoarseness
  • Sore throat
  • An incessant urge to clear the throat
  • Coughing continuously (often bringing up sputum mixed with blood)
  • Appearance of a lump like structure in the throat or neck region
  • Neck pain
  • Neck swelling
  • Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Sudden unintended weight loss
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Wheezing
  • Ear pain
  • Tinnitus (ringing sensation inside one or both ears)

Diagnosis And Treatment

In case you notice any of the previously-mentioned indications, do talk with a specialized doctor right away to detect the presence of cancer cells at the initial stage, so that the treatment can be commenced right away. The doctor usually conducts a thorough full body check-up, ascertains the patient's past medical history, followed by a sequence of diagnostics including:

  • Endoscopy
  • Biopsy
  • Imaging tests like MRI-scan, CT-scan, PET-scan, X-ray, and Barium swallow

Treatment

After properly staging Hypopharyngeal cancer, the oncologist usually determines the best possible way to treat the malignant tumour to provide a better life to the patient post treatment. The available treatment options include:

  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Immunotherapy
  • Surgery: Surgical procedure includes Pharyngectomy, Laryngopharyngectomy
  • Targeted drug therapy
  • Rehabilitation
  • Palliative care

Prevention

The occurrence of Hypopharyngeal Cancer can be significantly decreased by incorporating the following preventive measures in the routine lifestyle:

  • Cease smoking (both active and passive forms)
  • Limit the intake of liquor
  • Evade getting exposed to asbestos or other carcinogenic compounds both at work and at home
  • Consume a healthy, well-balanced diet that includes fresh fruits, vegetables and fluids
  • Incorporate exercises into the daily regimen
  • Prevent obesity by maintaining a balanced weight
  • Get timely vaccination for HPV