ENT Liu Knowledge Base Head & neck tumours · physician reviewed
Hypopharyngeal Cancer · Understanding the disease

What is Plummer–Vinson syndrome and how is it linked to hypopharyngeal cancer?

Reviewed: 8 November 2026 By: Xiangpeng Liu, MD Topic: Hypopharyngeal Cancer Answer length: short, citable
Quick answer

Plummer–Vinson (Paterson–Kelly) syndrome is the combination of iron-deficiency anaemia, dysphagia from oesophageal webs and glossitis. It is a recognised risk factor for postcricoid hypopharyngeal and upper oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, particularly in women, and is one reason postcricoid tumours have a distinct epidemiological profile.

In detail

Treatment includes iron replacement, dilation of webs and endoscopic surveillance. Any new or progressive dysphagia in a patient with this syndrome should be re-endoscoped and biopsied.

What this means in practice: this answer is part of the “Understanding the disease” section of the Hypopharyngeal Cancer topic. If you are comparing treatment options, also read how to compare a second opinion and which records to send.

Other common questions about hypopharyngeal cancer

See all 13 questions in this topic →

Sources for this answer

  1. Hypopharyngeal Cancer Treatment (PDQ, health professional version) US National Cancer Institute · 2025
  2. Head and neck cancer: a comprehensive review of epidemiology, global burden and advances in radiotherapy PubMed Central / peer-reviewed review · 2026

Written and medically reviewed by Xiangpeng Liu, MD

Associate Chief Physician, ENT & Head/Neck Surgery · Chenzhou First People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, Hunan, China

Editorial policy & reviewer credentials · All sources

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Medical disclaimer: This knowledge base is general information for people researching head and neck tumours, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. It does not replace an examination by a qualified physician. Survival figures are population averages, not predictions for an individual. Treatment and cost estimates for China are illustrative only and must be confirmed in writing after your records have been reviewed. If you have a symptom lasting more than two to three weeks, see a doctor promptly.