Practical Essentials of Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy by Chao K. S. Clifford

Author:Chao, K. S. Clifford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
Published: 2013-10-17T16:00:00+00:00

3. DIAGNOSIS AND STAGING SYSTEM

3.1. Signs and Symptoms

3.1.1. Hypopharynx

• Early pharyngeal tumors generally produce a mild, nonspecific sore throat or vague discomfort on swallowing, which persists for longer than 2 weeks.

• A major neurological finding is referred pain to the ipsilateral ear, which is referred along the internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (sensory division to the larynx and hypopharynx) via the vagus nerve (X) to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (Arnold nerve).

• Dysphagia is produced by bulky tumors, deep constrictor muscle invasion, or prevertebral space invasion of the overlying strap muscles. This finding may be associated with salivary drooling, stiff neck, and a “hot potato” voice. The last finding is especially due to laryngeal or base of tongue invasion.

• Advanced disease causes significant weight loss.

• Hoarseness by invasion of larynx, blood streaked saliva, airway obstruction, halitosis, and nasal voice are other signs and symptoms that can be seen in hypopharyngeal cancers.

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