Cancer of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus: management concepts

Treatment of cancer of the pharyngoesophageal region requires a multidisciplinary team approach using combined radiotherapy and surgery. Since patients with this cancer usually present for treatment after their tumors have reached advanced stages, their nutritional status is usually poor and must be dealt with prior to instituting therapy. Resection must be radical and usually produces a multifunctional defect. Reconstructive choices are varied, depending on the patient's general condition, the abilities of the head and neck surgeon, and the availability of other surgical specialties to help with reconstruction. Although treatment has become safer and provides a more functional existence, pharyngoesophageal cancer is still a deadly disease that kills two out of three patients.