Hypopharynx
This is the lower 1/3 of the throat (pharynx). Tumours in this area are relatively silent in comparision to other areas and are thus found at a more advanced stage. While most cancers are related to tobacco and alcohol, certain cancers in this area are more common amongst women and not related to any habits.
Signs & Symptoms
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Painful swallowing (odynophagia)
Change in voice
Weight loss
Mass in the neck
Pain in the ear
It Includes
the area just above the food pipe and including the first part of the food pipe (cervical esophagus)
the area around the voice box (larynx) i.e. the pyriform sinuses on each side
the back wall of the throat (the posterior pharyngeal wall)
Risk Factors
Tobacco
Alcohol
Plummer-Vinson syndrome
Female sex