As opposed to a Zenker's, which is typically a posterior and inferior outpouching from the esophagus, a Killian–Jamieson diverticulum is typically an anterolateral outpouching at the level of the C5-C6 vertebral bodies, due to a congenital weakness in the cervical esophagus between the oblique and transverse fibers of the cricopharyngeus muscle.

Additional recurrent symptoms include aspiration, halitosis, coughing, globus sensation, and neck pain.

[5] A notable rise in intraluminal pressure was hypothesized by one author as a result of functional outflow obstruction brought on by the circular esophageal muscle contracting.

[7] Imaging usually confirms the diagnosis because a barium esophagram can show the location, size, and lateralization of the lesion.

Although there are other modalities such as esophageal endoscopy, CT scan, and ultrasound, most clinicians rely on barium esophagram to make clinical decisions.