Hypopharyngeal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Faizan Sheraz, M.D. [2]

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Natural History

• If left untreated hypopharyngeal cancer produces few symptoms early in its course.
• Once the tumor has expanded from its site of origin, it may obstruct the aerodigestive passages.

Complications

Common complications of hypopharyngeal cancer include:

• Airway obstruction
• Dysphagia
• Pain during swallowing
• Disfigurement of the neck or face
• Hardening of the skin of the neck
• Hoarseness and speaking ability
• Metastasis

Prognosis

The prognosis varies with the type of hypopharyngeal cancer; squamous cell carcinoma of hypopharynx has the most unfavorable prognosis. Based on staging, the prognosis is as follows:

• Stage I-II: 47% 5-year survival
• Stage III-IVb: 30% 5-year survival
• Stage IVc: 16% 5-year survival