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, [#]% of patients with [disease name] may progress to develop [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3]

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

Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx carries the worst prognosis of any SCC of the upper aerodigestive tract of the head and neck both because it often presents with advanced disease. Even when prognosis is corrected for stage, hypopharyngeal cancers continue to have poor outcomes.

• Stage I-II: 47% 5-year survival

• Stage III-IVb: 30% 5-year survival

• Stage IVc: 16% 5-year survival

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