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HYPOPHARYNX

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HYPOPHARYNX anatomy

The hypo pharynx is the lowest part of the throat, located behind the voice box (larynx), and leading into the esophagus. View the anatomy here.

Evaluation of a hypopharyngeal mass

A growth in the hypopharynx typically does not cause swallowing, voice, or airway symptoms until it is fairly large, and for this reason, spread to a neck lymph node may occur and become noticeable before a cancer in the hypopharynx is identified. Imaging (such as a CT scan) and a head and neck surgeon looking at the throat with a scope are usual next steps leading to identification of the cancer’s starting location (the primary tumor). A needle biopsy of any suspicious neck lymph node may be done, and a trip to the operating room for an examination of the throat, biopsies of the mass, and note of the anatomic extent of the mass is typical. If the mass is large enough to threaten the airway, a tracheostomy may be placed. A PET-CT scan is arranged if the other imaging techniques do not provide adequate information. When a hypopharyngeal mass is found to be cancer, it is typically the type called squamous cell carcinoma.

Treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer

The mainstay of treatment of a hypopharyngeal cancer is radiation therapy. Chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be added for additional treatment effect. Surgery is used in certain situations, such as when the primary tumor is large enough and involving the voice box (larynx) that radiation and medical treatments are unlikely to produce a cure, or if these treatments would likely cause enough damage to the throat that larynx function (voice and protecting the lungs during swallowing) would be ineffective. Surgery is also used to remove lymph nodes in the neck that have cancer spread to them or are at risk for that. The best treatment plan for a given individual is agreed upon by members of the tumor board conference, and this recommendation is relayed to the patient.

Swallowing

Swallowing well is essential for maintaining nutrition as well as keeping the lungs free of infection. A decision faced commonly in the treatment of throat cancer is whether to place a gastric feeding tube (G tube).

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