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What is the Pyriform Sinus?

Andy Josiah
Andy Josiah

The pyriform sinus is a pear-shaped passage that flanks the sides of the larynx, or voice box. It is a component of the structure in the body responsible for speech. Alternative terms include piriform sinus, piriform recess and piriform fossa.

At its upper region, the pyriform sinus is bound between a fold of mucous membrane called the aryepiglottic fold. Also known as the aryepiglottis, it constitutes the borders of the larynx's opening. This sinus is flanked by the thyroid cartilage, which is the laryngeal skeleton's biggest flexible connective tissue; and the hyothyroid membrane, which surrounds this cartilage. At the bottom of the pear-shaped recess is the cricoid cartilage, a ring-shaped tissue that surrounds the tube connecting the larynx to the lungs.

Hypopharyngeal cancer is both rare and difficult to diagnose.
Hypopharyngeal cancer is both rare and difficult to diagnose.

The mucous membrane that surrounds the pyriform sinus has two branches of the cranial vagus nerve: the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the internal laryngeal nerve. The former is dubbed "recurrent" because of its irregular path, such as rising up in the region between the windpipe called the trachea and the food pipe named the esophagus, while diving into the region between the head and abdomen referred to as the thorax. The internal laryngeal nerve is the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. Both organ systems are responsible for supplying sensation to the larynx.

Coughing may occur if the internal laryngeal nerve is irritated by water trapped in the pyriform sinus.
Coughing may occur if the internal laryngeal nerve is irritated by water trapped in the pyriform sinus.

Any tampering, defect or destruction of either of these nerves by the pyriform sinus could cause adverse effects to the larynx. One could cough uncontrollably if the internal laryngeal nerve is irritated by food particles or water trapped in this sinus. This condition is most common with infants, and in some cases, it might develop into a bacterial infection called acute infectious thyroiditis. Also, a paralysis of the organ it springs from, the superior laryngeal nerve, alters voice pitch into a hoarseness and could become permanent if it remains for a couple of months.

Infection of the pyriform sinus may cause neck cancer.
Infection of the pyriform sinus may cause neck cancer.

Pyriform sinus is associated with neck and head cancer. It is located in the hypopharynx, or the lower part of the throat region that joins to the esophagus called the pharynx. In about 70 percent of all hypopharyngeal cancer cases, the tumors are specifically located in the pyriform sinus. Since it is hard to diagnose, hypopharyngeal cancer is usually discovered at stage III, which indicates a significant progression of the disease and reduces the chance of survival.

Discussion Comments

Certlerant

Ninety percent of cancer in the head and neck area is squamous cell carcinoma. These epithelial cell cancers happen in the upper layer of the skin or the epidermis. These cells have a higher density of cells. These types of cells are the outer protective layers that line the nose, neck, throat, lips, lungs, the lining of the digestive tract and various other parts of the body not located on the head.

This type of carcinoma is a type of cancer arising from uncontrolled production of tissue cells. The doctor may want to get a sample of this area to look at called a biopsy. It can usually be diagnosed under a microscope by a doctor. Tests can sometimes be done at the time of the removal.

Often if the cancer is caught at an early stage the tissue can be removed thoroughly. There may be treatment with radiation if that is the best route for your doctor to take. A mixture of radiation and surgery is sometimes applied.

The actual prognosis of each case is different. There are a number of ways this cancer can start and a number of different ways these cancers work.

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    • Hypopharyngeal cancer is both rare and difficult to diagnose.
      By: Max Tactic
      Hypopharyngeal cancer is both rare and difficult to diagnose.
    • Coughing may occur if the internal laryngeal nerve is irritated by water trapped in the pyriform sinus.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      Coughing may occur if the internal laryngeal nerve is irritated by water trapped in the pyriform sinus.
    • Infection of the pyriform sinus may cause neck cancer.
      By: JackF
      Infection of the pyriform sinus may cause neck cancer.
    • The internal laryngeal nerve and superior laryngeal nerve are responsible for supplying sensation to the larynx.
      By: Alliance
      The internal laryngeal nerve and superior laryngeal nerve are responsible for supplying sensation to the larynx.
    • Sinus problems in children may be caused by using an albuterol inhaler.
      By: uwimages
      Sinus problems in children may be caused by using an albuterol inhaler.
    • The pyriform sinus is a pear-shaped passage alongside the larynx.
      By: snapgalleria
      The pyriform sinus is a pear-shaped passage alongside the larynx.
    • Young children often swallow foreign objects which can then become stuck in the pyriform sinus.
      By: Magalice
      Young children often swallow foreign objects which can then become stuck in the pyriform sinus.
    • The internal laryngeal nerve and the superior laryngeal nerve supply sensation to the larynx.
      By: stockshoppe
      The internal laryngeal nerve and the superior laryngeal nerve supply sensation to the larynx.
    • Pyriform sinus is located in the hypopharynx, the lower part of the pharynx.
      By: snapgalleria
      Pyriform sinus is located in the hypopharynx, the lower part of the pharynx.