Dr Ronald Chin Discusses: What Are Malignant Tumours of the Hypopharynx (Laryngopharynx)?
Hypopharyngeal cancer refers to malignant tumours in the hypopharynx, the lower part of the throat where the larynx and oesophagus meet. These cancers are often aggressive and diagnosed late due to subtle early symptoms. Most are squamous cell carcinomas.
Key Symptoms:
- Persistent sore throat or difficulty swallowing
- Lump in the neck
- Hoarseness or voice changes
- Ear pain without infection
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chronic cough or coughing up blood
Risk Factors:
- Tobacco and heavy alcohol use
- Poor nutrition
- HPV infection (less common than in oropharyngeal cancer)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Diagnosis & Treatment:
Diagnosis includes endoscopic examination, imaging (CT/MRI), and biopsy. Treatment may involve surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, often in combination. Because of late detection, advanced treatment planning by an ENT and oncology team is critical.
Why Early Detection Matters:
Delayed diagnosis impacts survival. Persistent throat or voice symptoms warrant urgent ENT assessment.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Dr Ronald Chin is an Australian trained Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon.
After graduating as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Dr Chin undertook further specialised training in Head and Neck Cancer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
He has published many research papers and is an active teacher and scholar.
As part of his subspecialty training, Dr Chin has training in Laser, Da Vinci Robotic, Flex Robotic and complex surgical techniques.
In addition to specialised Head and Neck Cancer, Dr Chin also enjoys general adult and paediatric ENT Surgery and practices sinus, snoring/sleep and general paediatric ENT Surgical procedures.
Dr Ronald Chin works as a general Otolaryngologist, offering a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments including ear surgery, nose surgery and throat surgery. He provides treatment for chronic conditions such as tonsillitis, sinus problems and problems with hearing.
He is also involved in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions such as facial paralysis, head and neck cancer and sleep apnea. As well as performing surgery on children, he also provides specialist care for adults, including the treatment of throat disorders, voice loss and ear problems.
Dr Chin has also served as a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, a Conjoint Associate Professor at Western Sydney University and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney.
