If hypopharyngeal 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.