Clinical Analysis on Cancer of the Hypopharynx

Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology 1998;14(1):46-53.
Published online May 30, 1998.

Young Ho Kim;Eun Chang Choi;Won Pyo Hong;Moon Suk Kim;Sei Young Lee;Jung Pyoe Hong;Hyung Jin Chung

하인두암의 임상적 고찰

김영호;최은창;홍원표;김문석;이세영;홍정표;정형진

Abstract

Background: Hypopharyngeal cancer represents about one-third the incidence of laryngeal cancer which is the most common cancer in head and neck area. Although there have been numerous reports regarding its clinical and statistical characteristics, more precise and ample data should be collected and analyzed in this country. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the pattern and patient's profile of the hypopharyngeal cancer, and we reviewed the treatment outcomes to search for an index of treatment modalities. Materials and Methods: The authors retrospectively analyzed 73 cases of hypopharyngeal cancer treated at Yonsei Medical Center during the 10-year period from 1985 to 1994. Five-year survival rate was calculated according to the primary site, clinical stage and treatment modality.
Results
The incidence was predominated in male by 9 to 1 and peak incidence was 6th and 7th decades. Pyriform sinus was the main primary site(80.8%) followed by posterior hypopharyngeal wall(13.7%) and postcricoid area(5.5%). Advanced stage cancers(87.7%) were more common than early stage cancers. Radiotherapy(60.3%) was the most commonly used as primary treatment modality. Neck node metastasis was early occurred even in early stage cancers(61.5%), and overall rate of neck node metastasis was 69.9%. All surgical cases received procedures more than total laryngectomy and partial pharyngectomy. The most common cause of death was primary failure(81.5%) and it was highest in radiotherapy group. Five-year survival rate was significantly high in surgery group(90.9%). The overall 5-year survival rate of hypopharyngeal cancer was 30.3%.
Conclusion
High index of suspicion should be required for early diagnosis. Also, surgery may be recommended for the primary treatment modality in advanced stage cancers.

Key Words: Hypopharyngeal cancer, Treatment modality, Five year survival rate