Current status of surgery for carcinoma of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus

Hypopharynx and cervical esophagus represent a critical location for a squa mous cell carcinoma, a neoplasm that usually requires extensive surgery. Al though morbidity and mortality of resection have markedly decreased over th e past decade, the major issue in these patients remains quality of life ow ing to the need for combination with a laryngectomy to provide radical trea tment. Chemoradiation therapy has the potential to downstage and even cure the disease without altering quality of life dramatically. Today, in the ab sence of randomized trials, the choice between surgery and definitive chemo radiotherapy should be based on clear information and the patient's prefere nce. Salvage surgery is feasible and effective in selected patients.