What is hypopharyngeal cancer?
Hypopharyngeal cancer starts in the cells of the hypopharynx, which is part of the throat (pharynx). A cancerous (malignant) tumour is a group of cancer cells that can grow into and destroy nearby tissue. It can also spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Hypopharyngeal cancer is not common.
The hypopharynx is part of the pharynx (throat). The pharynx is part of the digestive and respiratory systems. It is divided into 3 parts. The nasopharynx is the top part. The oropharynx is the middle part. The hypopharynx is the bottom part. It connects the pharynx to the esophagus.
In some cases, changes to hypopharyngeal cells can cause hypopharyngeal cancer. Most often, hypopharyngeal cancer starts in the
Rare types of hypopharyngeal cancer can also develop. These include minor salivary gland carcinoma and sarcoma.