What is (are) Hypopharyngeal Cancer ?
Key Points
                    - Hypopharyngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the hypopharynx.    - Use of tobacco products and heavy drinking can affect the risk of developing hypopharyngeal cancer.     - Signs and symptoms of hypopharyngeal cancer include a sore throat and ear pain.     - Tests that examine the throat and neck are used to help detect (find) and diagnose hypopharyngeal cancer.    - Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
                
                
                    Hypopharyngeal cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the hypopharynx.
                    The hypopharynx is the bottom part of the pharynx (throat). The pharynx is a hollow tube about 5 inches long that starts behind the nose, goes down the neck, and ends at the top of the trachea (windpipe) and esophagus (the tube that goes from the throat to the stomach). Air and food pass through the pharynx on the way to the trachea or the esophagus.      Most hypopharyngeal cancers form in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells lining the inside of the hypopharynx. The hypopharynx has 3 different areas. Cancer may be found in 1 or more of these areas.   Hypopharyngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer.