Untitled

Abstract

Sixteen cases of 11 laryngeal and 5 hypopharyngeal cancers required emergency tracheostomy were reviewed. The incidence requiring the emergency tracheostomy of the hypopharyngeal cancer (11.4%) was high about two times compared to that of the laryngeal cancer (6.3%). Sex incidence was 13 males and 3 females and average age was 70.5 years old in the laryngeal cancer and 55.8 years old in the hypopharyngeal cancer. The glottic carcinoma and the piriform sinus carcinoma were most frequently found in the larynx and the hypopharynx respectively. All cases were classified in T3 or T4. Lymph node metastasis was observed in all cases of the hypopharyngeal cancer but in some cases of the laryngeal cancer. A case of lung metastasis in the hypopharyngeal cancer was precisely reported. Various factors influencing late diagnosis were pointed out and discussed. Subglottic extension of glottic carcinoma should be determined exactly. An appeal to the other division's doctor for knowledge and recognition of the head and neck cancer was emphasized to make early diagnosis.