Question

The pharynx is divided into three parts: the nasopharynx, the oropharynx and the laryngopharynx. The laryngopharynx is found between the hyoid bone and the larynx and the esophagus and helps guide food and air into their place. If someone were to complain of voice changes, cough, repetitive throat clearing and pharyngeal sensations of fullness, would could be the diagnosis? Also how would one be treated for this condition?

Answer 1

Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer may spread by direct extension to adjacent structures, by metastasis to regional cervical lymph nodes, or more distantly, through the blood stream to other locations in the body. Distant metastases to the lungs and liver are most common. Squamous cell carcinomas account for 90 to 95 percent of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer.

Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are the main risk factors for laryngeal cancer. Exposure to human papilloma virus (HPV) has been mainly associated with oropharyngeal cancer and to a lesser degree with laryngeal and hypopharyngeal ones.

Diagnosis Symptoms and signs of laryngeal infection:

•Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing sounds

•Chronic cough (with and without blood)

•Difficulty swallowing

•A sensation of a lump in the throat

•Hoarseness that does not get better in 1 - 2 weeks

•Neck and ear pain

•Sore throat that does not get better in 1 - 2 weeks, even with antibiotics

•Swelling or lumps in the neck

•Unintentional weight loss.

A team of medical specialists generally collaborate in planning the

treatment.

These can include:

•Ear, nose, and throat doctors (otolaryngologists)

•General head and neck surgeons

•Medical oncologists

•Radiation oncologists

Other health care providers who work with the specialists as a team may include a dentist, plastic surgeon, reconstructive surgeon, speech and language pathologist, oncology nurse, dietitian, and a mental health counselor.