Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer are two of the most common types of head and neck cancer. Laryngeal cancer is a form of cancer of your larynx or voice box whereas Hypopharyngeal cancer is a throat cancer that forms in the hypopharynx (lower part of your throat). 

About 95% of all larynx and hypopharynx cancers are recognized as squamous cell carcinoma. It begins as carcinoma cells and forms the lining of these organs.

What is the pharynx?

It is a tube-like structure that is present inside your neck. It is a part of the throat that is behind your nasal activity and mouth. It acts as a passageway or medium for breathing, swallowing, and talking.

What is the larynx?

It is situated in front of the pharynx. It leads to the windpipe (trachea). You can feel the larynx after you place your fingers below your chin as your vocal cords vibrate while talking.

If you’re experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms you can consult us via our 24/7 support number +91-9137-44-1392 or you can reach out to us at https://www.uhapo.co.in/contact/ for the necessary guidance and support. Uhapo provides access to the best medical team of highly-qualified cancer doctors and specialists to treat your cancer with care. 

Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Risk Factors

There is a number of risk factors that can cause Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer. However, certain lifestyle changes can prevent these types of cancer to happen such as quitting smoking or drinking too much alcohol regularly. Below are listed major risk factors that can increase the risk of Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer –

1. Tobacco – The use of tobacco such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and tobacco chewing is directly linked with head and neck cancer.
2. Alcohol – Regular or frequent consumption of alcohol can increase the risk of head and neck cancer.
3. Gender – Men are more likely prone to head and neck compared to women.
4. Age – People over the age of 55 years are more prone to these types of cancer.
5. Poor nutrition – A diet not rich in vitamins A and D can increase the risk of these cancer types after a prolonged period of time.
6. Human papillomavirus (HPV) – Sexual activity with someone who is prone to the HPV virus can affect you with HPV. Such people have weaker immune systems and are more likely prone to Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal cancer.

Symptoms

People with Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer may experience certain signs and symptoms mentioned below –

• Enlargement of lymph node or formation of a lump in the neck
• Difficulty in breathing through the nose or throat
• Sore throat
• Ear pain
• Bad breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Change in voice or hoarseness in voice
• Choking while eating or drinking

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms frequently then it is best to talk to your doctor for the necessary diagnostic test. 

Diagnosis

The tests performed for effective diagnosis of your condition will be determined by the type of cancer, signs, and symptoms, and age of the patient. The common diagnostic test performed for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer are –

1. Physical examination – It checks the throat and neck area for abnormal functionalities.
2. Laryngoscopy – It is performed as indirect, fiber optic, or direct Laryngoscopy for examining of larynx and hypopharynx area.
3. Biopsy – A small tissue of an affected area is examined under the microscope for the detection of cancer.
4. Biomarker testing – It helps in finding specific genes, proteins, and other factors unique to the tumor. 
5. CT scan – It takes pictures of the inside of the body using x-rays to measure the tumor’s size.
6. PET scan – It creates pictures of organs and tissues inside the body by injection of a radioactive substance. 

Treatments

Treatment options are dependent on the type and stage of cancer, side effects, and the patient’s health condition. The common types of treatment for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer are as follows –

1. Surgery – An oncologist removes the cancerous tumor and healthy tissue around it. The goal of surgery is to remove the entire tumor to stop the spread of cancer.
2. Radiation Therapy – It uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancerous cells. 
3. Chemotherapy – It uses drugs to destroy cancerous cells. It stops cancer cells from growing, dividing, and multiplying to avoid further spread.
4. Targeted Therapy – It targets specific genes, proteins, or tissues that contribute to the growth of cancer.
5. Immunotherapy – The patient’s own immune system is used to fight cancerous cells.