Carcinoma of the hypopharynx: results of combined therapy

Hypopharyngeal carcinoma is an aggressive cancer with a guarded prognosis. Results of 64 patients with-hypopharyngeal cancer, 59 of whom were in stage III or IV, undergoing curative therapy during a six-year period were analysed. A combined modality resulted in a 62% and 38.4% 2-year disease free survival incases with pyriform sinus and postcricoid tumours respectively. Results of radiotherapy failed salvage surgery were much poorer for either site.