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If hypopharyngeal cancer spreads

  1. Home
  2. Cancer information
  3. Cancer types
  4. Hypopharyngeal
  5. If cancer spreads

Cancer cells can spread from the hypopharynx to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis.

Understanding how a type of cancer usually grows and spreads helps your healthcare team plan your treatment and future care. If hypopharyngeal cancer spreads, it can spread to the following:

  • lymph nodes in the neck (cervical lymph nodes)
  • the pharyngeal wall
  • muscles in the wall of the pharynx (throat)
  • the larynx (voice box)
  • the esophagus
  • thyroid cartilage
  • lymph nodes in the mediastinum
  • the lung
  • the bone
  • the liver

People with hypopharyngeal cancer have a higher risk of developing a second type of cancer in nearby organs such as the esophagus, larynx or lungs. The second type of cancer may be found at the same time as hypopharyngeal cancer or after hypopharyngeal cancer is diagnosed.

Expert review and references

  • Hamoir M, Machiels JP, Schmitz S, Gregoire V . Multidisciplinary management of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Bernier J (ed.). Head and Neck Cancer: Multimodality Management. Springer; 2016: 28: 511-537.
  • Mendenhall WM, Werning JW, Pfister DG . Cancer of the head and neck. DeVita VT Jr, Lawrence TS, & Rosenberg SA. Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 10th ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2015: 38: 422-473.