Surgery for radiation-induced carcinoma of the hypopharynx

Eighteen radiation-induced tumors of the hypopharynx examined during a 20-year period are described. These tumors represent slightly less than 5 per cent of all tumors of the hypopharynx examined during the same period. Most were due to irradiation for thyrotoxicosis, and the mean latent period was 35 years. Five patients were not treated, and 13 patients were treated, mainly by pharyngolaryngectomy followed by skin flap repair (deltopectoral or pectoralis major). Despite a fairly high complication rate, an adjusted five-year survival of 35 per cent was achieved.