Hypopharyngeal Cancer Treatment Options

Stage I

At Stage I, treatment might include pharyngectomy (removal of part of the pharynx) and surgery to remove lymph nodes or other tissues of the neck. Radiation therapy may follow the surgery in some patients – applied to the lymph nodes of the neck. Another option could be to use radiation therapy alone.

Stage II

Treatment of Stage II hypopharyngeal cancer might include partial or total laryngopharyngectomy (removal of the larynx and pharynx) and surgery to remove lymph nodes or other tissues of the neck. Radiation therapy may follow the surgery in some patients – applied to the lymph nodes of the neck. Chemotherapy might also be given during this radiation therapy. Another treatment option might be to use chemotherapy followed by radiation or surgery, depending on the response of the tumor to the chemotherapy.

Stage III and Stage IV

Treatment might include the following:

• Radiation therapy before or after surgery, with or without chemotherapy.
• Chemotherapy followed by surgery and/or radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy given at the same time as radiation therapy
• Surgery followed by chemotherapy given at the same time as radiation therapy
• Reconstructive surgery to help with eating, breathing, or talking if all or part of the hypopharynx is removed