The hypopharynx, or gullet, is at the bottom of the throat, above the top of the esophagus, and below the epiglottis (the cartilaginous lid that flips down over the windpipe to keep food and drink from entering the lungs if swallowed). One other word for the throat is pharynx.
Hypopharyngeal cancer is a fairly rare disease, affecting about 3,000 Americans each year. It often gets diagnosed at advanced stages, leading to a challenging prognosis. Our blog will give you a detailed overview of it. Want to get more? Keep reading!
Symptoms of Hypopharyngeal Cancer
Whatever the hypopharyngeal cancer symptoms may be, its early detection is not so easy. Most people note the following signs in the patient;
Continuous Sore Throat
A sore throat that does not go away, even after trying medicines or home remedies, is a sign of hypopharyngeal cancer. Unlike a sore throat from a cold or flu, this pain can feel deeper and last much longer.
It may not come with other cold symptoms like a fever or cough, making it easy to ignore. Over time, the pain may also spread to the ears or worsen when swallowing.
Difficulty or Painful Swallowing
A common symptom is feeling like food or drinks are stuck in your throat. Swallowing can also hurt, making it hard to eat or drink normally. As it gets worse, it can result in weight loss because eating becomes uncomfortable.
This situation is due to a tumor blocking or narrowing your throat. In serious cases, it can even cause problems like dehydration or weakness.
Ear Pain
You will feel ear pain even if nothing is wrong with your ear. It is because the nerves in your throat and ears are connected. Either sharp or dull, the pain can appear in one or both ears.
Since there is no visible issue with the ear, it will seem confusing, but it is an important symptom to notice, especially if it comes with a sore throat or swallowing problems.
Lump in the Neck
A lump in the neck is often the first thing people notice. It can feel like swelling and is usually painless. It appears when cancer spreads to the lymph nodes. Seeing a doctor is a good idea if you find a lump that does not go away or seems to grow. Sometimes, you can also feel stiffness or discomfort in the neck.
Voice Changes
Your voice will start to sound different, like becoming hoarse or raspy. These changes will be small initially, but they can worsen over time. You may also feel it is harder to talk, or your voice gets tired quickly. If this happens along with trouble swallowing or a sore throat, it is a good idea to get it checked out.
What Causes Hypopharyngeal Cancer?
Following are the main five possible causes of hypopharyngeal cancer:
1. Tobacco Use
A major risk factor is if you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes or if you chew tobacco. Tobacco chemicals can hurt throat cells over time, putting you at risk for cancer. Secondhand smoke increases the risk even for those exposed more moderately.
2. Alcohol Consumption
Another leading cause is drinking more alcohol, particularly over a long time. The risk of getting hypopharyngeal cancer goes up when tobacco is added to the mix. Alcohol irritates the lining in the throat, which makes the lining more susceptible to cancerous changes.
3. Poor Nutrition
It is due to a diet that lacks essential vitamins and minerals (vitamin A and iron), especially when the body’s ability to repair damaged cells is weakened. Deficiencies or poor eating habits can also make it more likely to develop cancer in your throat area.
4. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Studies show that HPV (a sexually transmitted virus) is linked to many types of cancers, including cancers of the throat. However, some strains of HPV can change the cells in the throat, and over time, this can cause cancer.
5. Exposure to Chemicals
Long-term exposure to harmful chemicals, such as asbestos, industrial fumes, or other toxic substances, irritates the throat and increases the risk of cancer. It is more common among people working in environments with poor safety measures.
How to Treatment Hypopharyngeal Cancer?
Treatment for hypopharyngeal cancer depends on the stage, location, and patient’s overall health. The most common treatments for this cancer include:
Surgery
Removal of part of the hypopharynx.
Removal of the larynx and hypopharynx, often requiring a stoma for breathing.
Radiation Therapy
High-energy beams target and destroy cancer cells. Often used after surgery or in combination with chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy
Medications are administered intravenously or orally to kill cancer cells.
Targeted Therapy
Drugs like cetuximab target specific proteins that promote cancer growth.
Survival Rates for Hypopharyngeal Cancer
The survival rate of hypopharyngeal cancer depends on how early it is diagnosed, the patient’s overall health, and the treatments used. This type of cancer is often found late because early symptoms are easy to ignore. Late detection makes treatment harder and lowers survival chances.
5-Year Survival Rates by Stage
Early Stage: If found early, when the cancer is only in the hypopharynx, the 5-year survival rate is about 60-70%.
Spread to Nearby Areas: If the cancer has reached nearby tissues or lymph nodes, the survival rate is around 30-40%.
Spread to Other Parts of the Body: When the cancer has spread far (metastasized), the survival rate is below 10%.
This survival rate shows the importance of early detection. So, when you feel any of the above signs, immediately contact an experienced doctor.
Final Thoughts!
In the end, you definitely know that hypopharyngeal cancer is such a serious condition that it can be hard to detect in its early stages. It is important to know its signs, causes, risk factors, and treatment options to get diagnosed and treated in time.
Taking care of your health, getting medical help for ongoing symptoms, and benefiting from new medical advancements increase the chances of successful treatment and recovery. So, get assistance from some healthcare provider and get the wonderful life ahead
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