Details of Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

This is a cancer that can grow in any part of the larynx or hypopharynx. About 95% of all cancers of the larynx and hypopharynx are categorized as squamous cell carcinomas. This means they began in the flat, squamous cells that form the linings of these organs.

• Difficulty swallowing
• Ear pain
• Lump or sore that doesn’t heal
• Sore throat
• Weight loss

• Biopsy
• Imaging tests
• Using a scope to get a closer look at the throat

Surgical options are:

• Surgery for early-stage throat cancer is used to treate surgically using endoscopy.
• Laryngectomy, surgery to remove all or part of the voice box
• Pharyngectomy, surgery to remove part of the throat
• Surgery to remove cancerous lymph nodes (neck dissection)

Which makes it worse:

• Tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol use
• A sexually transmitted virus called human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)