Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma

Pre-treatment clinical and radiological evaluations represent a key step in the proper management of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. First, office-based endoscopy allows the assessment of superficial tumor extension, signs of laryngeal infiltration, and the overall residual function of the laryngo-hypopharyngeal complex. Different tools, maneuvers, and techniques can improve this essential diagnostic step and should be considered a prerequisite to direct subsequent investigations and give an initial indication for the most appropriate treatment. Furthermore, radiologic investigations help in determining tumor deep infiltration, lymph nodes involvement, and the presence of distant metastases. These should complement clinical evaluation by giving a more precise view of the disease characteristics, its overall behavior, and pattern of spreading. The aim of the current review is to summarize the key points that should be considered when approaching hypopharyngeal tumors from a diagnostic perspective, by presenting the main advantages and drawbacks of each technique.