Management of Post-cricoid carcinoma

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Abstract
The results of treatment of post-cricoid carcinoma [of the hypopharynx] based on a series of 141 patients are discussed. Small tumors with no clinical evidence of cervical lymph node metastasis should almost certainly be treated with radiotherapy, which gives a 5-yr survival of .apprx. 35%. Surgery for recurrent disease after radiotherapy is fraught with complications; satisfactory salvage is seldom possible. Surgery for larger tumors and those associated with neck node metastases has a lower (20%) 5-yr survival with a high incidence of complications. The main problem after pharyngolaryngectomy is replacement of the pharynx. There is no evidence that any one of the methods in common use (skin flaps, transposition of the colon or stomach) is superior to any other.