Cricopharyngeal spasm

Cricopharyngeal spasm is dysfunction of the upper most valve of the esophagus. This muscular valve normally allows the esophagus to open during swallowing. In cricopharyngeal spasm, this valve does not open properly, causing difficulty swallowing and resulting in a significant collection of liquid or food in the back of the throat.

It may be be due to dysfunction of the muscular valve that allows the esophagus to open, resulting in significant collection of liquid or food in the back of the throat.

Severe pooling of saliva (arrow) secondary to cricopharyngeal spasm.

Tumors can also present as trouble swallowing. This patient developed a lymphoma of the left tongue base (arrow).