Hypopharyngeal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis

Hypopharyngeal cancer Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Hypopharyngeal Cancer from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Electrocardiogram
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Echocardiogram or Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Hypopharyngeal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Hypopharyngeal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Hypopharyngeal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis
CDC on Hypopharyngeal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis
Hypopharyngeal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis in the news
Blogs on Hypopharyngeal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hypopharyngeal cancer
Risk calculators and risk factors for Hypopharyngeal cancer natural history, complications and prognosis

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

Complications

• Airway obstruction
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain during swallowing
• Disfigurement of the neck or face
• Hardening of the skin of the neck
• Loss of voice and speaking ability
• Spread of the cancer to other body areas (metastasis)

Prognosis

Throat cancers can be cured in 90% of patients if detected early. If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes in the neck, 50 - 60% of patients can be cured. If the cancer has spread (metastasized) to parts of the body outside the head and neck, the cancer is not curable and treatment is aimed at prolonging and improving quality of life. After treatment, patients generally need therapy to help with speech and swallowing. A small percentage of patients (5%) will not be able to swallow and will need to be fed through a feeding tube