How is hypopharyngeal cancer treated at each stage?
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 applied to the lymph nodes of the neck may follow the surgery in some patients. 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 applied to the lymph nodes of the neck may follow the surgery in some patients. Chemotherapy might also be given during this radiation therapy. Another option could be to use radiation therapy alone.
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.