Hypopharynx cancer

Hypopharynx cancer is a rare form of head and neck cancer. The most common histological type is squamous cell carcinoma, and like oral cavity and oropharynx cancer it's related to alcohol and nicotine consumption.

Hypopharynx cancer causes symptoms late, delaying diagnosis. Symptoms include dysphagia, halitosis, cervical lymph node metastasis, and referred ear pain.

Hypopharyngeal cancer is not particularly radiosensitive so the treatment is mostly surgical. Treatment includes local surgical excision and sometimes neck dissection. Laryngectomy is often necessary.