Hypopharyngeal cancer risk factors

Hypopharyngeal cancer Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Hypopharyngeal Cancer from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiogram or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Hypopharyngeal cancer risk factors On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hypopharyngeal cancer risk factors All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Hypopharyngeal cancer risk factors
CDC on Hypopharyngeal cancer risk factors
Hypopharyngeal cancer risk factors in the news
Blogs on Hypopharyngeal cancer risk factors
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hypopharyngeal cancer
Risk calculators and risk factors for Hypopharyngeal cancer risk factors

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Faizan Sheraz, M.D. [2]

Overview

Common risk factors in the development of hypopharyngeal cancer are tobacco use, and abuse of alcohol consumption.

Risk Factors

Common risk factors for the development of hypopharyngeal cancer include:

• Smoking tobacco
• Chewing tobacco
• Abuse of alcohol consumption
• Diet without essential nutrients
• Plummer-Vinson syndrome
• HPV infection
• Areca nut and betel quid chewing habit
• Occupational exposures of substances such as:

• Organic solvents
• Coal dust
• Cement dust

Risk Factors	Description
Smoking	Mutations may change a normal DNA sequence to an oncogene, which is a gene that causes cancer after exposure to a carcinogen. Squamous cells, a type of cell that lines hollow organs like the throat, mouth, lungs, and outer layer of skin, are particularly vulnerable when exposed to cigarette smoke.
Chewing tobacco	The chewing tobacco is placed into the mouth, leaving it exposed to enzymes, like amylase, which partly digests the carcinogenic material. Saliva is swallowed, along with the cancer-promoting material, which passes through the hypopharynx on its way to the esophagus.
Heavy alcohol consumption	Heavy alcohol consumption is linked to hypopharyngeal cancer as well. Alcohol damages the lining of the hypopharynx, increasing the amount of chemicals that are allowed to seep into the underlying membranes. Heavy alcohol use is also associated with nutritional deficiencies.
Plummer-Vinson syndrome	A genetic disorder that causes a long-term iron deficiency, may also lead to hypopharyngeal cancer. Other factors like a deficiency in certain vitamins also appear to contribute to this type of cancer.