management of hypopharyngeal cancer

Last edited 12/2018 and last reviewed 07/2021

• larynx-preserving treatment should be offered to people with locally-advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx if radiation and neo-adjuvant and/or concomitant chemotherapy would be suitable for them and they do not have:
  • tumour-related dysphagia needing a feeding tube
  • a compromised airway
  • recurrent aspiration pneumonias
    
    
• radiotherapy with neo-adjuvant and/or concomitant chemotherapy should be offered if larynx-preserving treatment is suitable for the person
  
  
• primary surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy should be offered to people if chemotherapy is not a suitable treatment for them
  
  
• adjuvant radiotherapy should be offered to people having surgery as their primary treatment. Add concomitant chemotherapy if appropriate

Reference:

• NICE (June 2018). Cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract: assessment and management in people aged 16 and over