Giant cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx: pathologic diagnosis and natural history

A 48-year-old man was initially seen with a giant cell carcinoma arising in the right piriform fossa. Following debulking, the tumour was treated with chemoradiation. The patient subsequently underwent laryngopharyngectomy. Distant metastases developed 10 months following treatment, despite the absence of locoregional recurrence. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of giant cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx and first giant cell carcinoma of the laryngopharynx treated with chemoradiation. Based on our experience, surgery should remain the primary intervention to achieve locoregional control.