Rachenkrebs
Rachenkrebs, or pharyngeal cancer, is a malignant neoplasm arising in the pharynx, the muscular tube that connects the back of the nose and mouth to the larynx and esophagus. Most pharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. They are categorized by the part of the pharynx affected: nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal cancers.
Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) for oropharyngeal
Diagnosis involves a medical history, physical examination, endoscopic evaluation, imaging (CT, MRI, PET-CT), and biopsy to
Treatment depends on stage and location and may include surgery (such as pharyngectomy), radiotherapy, and chemotherapy,
Prognosis varies by stage, location, HPV status, and overall health; early-stage cancers have a better outcome.