Extended posterolateral pharyngectomy for carcinoma of the posterior pharyngeal wall

The traditionally poor prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the posterior pharyngeal wall is examined. The significance of lymph nodal metastasis, and particularly retropharyngeal lymph node involvement, is discussed. The authors' experience with five patients treated with combination therapy including excision of the primary neoplasm through an extended posterolateral pharyngectomy approach and postoperative radiation therapy suggests that T2 and T3 lesions may thus be controlled. They emphasize the use of a multidisciplinary approach to treatment of carcinomas of the head and neck.