Direct neoplastic invasion of esophageal inlet is an uncommon but significant sequela of advanced head and neck carcinomas. The aim of this study was to seek an optimal CT or MRI criterion for determining the neoplastic esophageal inlet involvement in order to help tumor staging and surgical planning.

CT and MRI of 78 head and neck tumor cases were investigated retrospectively. At the level of the esophageal inlet on axial CT and MRI scans, the distance between the posterior aspect of cricoid cartilage and the anterior aspect of vertebra (d-CV) was measured by two senior radiologists who were unaware of clinical findings. Then, according to pathologic evidence and follow-up findings, these patients were divided into patient group, including 32 cases with neoplastic invasion of esophageal inlet and control group, including 46 cases without neoplastic esophageal inlet involvement. The statistical difference based on d-CV between the two groups was determined. The optimal criterion of d-CV on CT or MRI was assessed and its accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were evaluated respectively.

In control group, d-CV at the esophageal inlet level was 0.94+/-0.15 cm on axial CT and 0.91+/-0.18 cm on axial MRI, whereas in patient group, d-CV was 1.24+/-0.32 cm on CT and 1.31+/-0.36 cm on MRI. There was a statistical significance in d-CV between the two groups on CT and MRI modalities (P<0.01). d-CV greater than 1.0 cm was the typical feature of neoplastic invasion of the esophageal inlet with 73% sensitivity, 83% specificity, 79% accuracy, 76% PPV, 80% NPV on CT and 84% sensitivity, 77% specificity, 80% accuracy, 70% PPV, 88% NPV on MRI respectively.

Except for other CT and MR imaging features of neoplastic invasion of esophageal inlet, d-CV greater than 1.0 cm is an optimal adjunct criterion for esophageal inlet invasion by advanced head and neck carcinomas.

Cross-sectional imaging with CT and MR imaging plays a crucial role in the evaluationof cancers of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. Clinical examination, includingendoscopy, often fails to detect the full extent of this tumor as it has high propensity togrow in submucosal fashion. Detailed description of the cross-sectional anatomy and ofthe tumor growth pattern will aid in the detection and evaluation of the full extent of thelesion. Post-treatment imaging findings are addressed.

A wide range of reconstructive options allows the ablative surgeon to resect tumors completely with wide margins. Wide resection is especially important because of the rich lymphatic drainage and submucosal spread seen with carcinomas in the hypopharyngeal area. Postoperative stenosis can be a difficult, recurring problem if the neopharynx does not have enough tissue incorporated into the closure. Therefore, most laryngopharyngectomy procedures benefit from the addition of transposed tissue, either pedicled or using free tissue transfer microvascular techniques. Often the location of the tumor is a major factor in determining which reconstruction is best for the patient. Minimizing the donor-site morbidity must be carefully considered, also.

Cross-sectional imaging with CT and MR imaging plays a crucial role in the evaluation of cancers of the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus. Clinical examination, including endoscopy, often fails to detect the full extent of this tumor as it has high propensity to grow in submucosal fashion. Detailed description of the cross-sectional anatomy and of the tumor growth pattern will aid in the detection and evaluation of the full extent of the lesion. Post-treatment imaging findings are addressed.

The purpose of this work was to compare nonfunctional and functional spiral CT in the tumor (T) staging of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal tumors and to correlate the CT results with microlaryngoscopy and postoperative pathology.

Twenty-six patients (3 women, 23 men) with clinically suspected laryngeal and hypopharyngeal tumors underwent both nonfunctional CT during quiet breathing and functional spiral CT during either a modified Valsalva (n = 19) or E phonation (n = 7) maneuver. CT slice thickness was 3 mm, table feed was 3 mm, and 40-80 ml of intravenous contrast material was administered at a flow of 1.5 ml/s. T stages as determined by nonfunctional and functional CT were compared and correlated with postoperative pathology or microlaryngoscopy.

The T stages determined with functional CT were better correlated with postoperative pathology (rS = 0.88, p = 0.001) and microlaryngoscopy (rS = 0.77, p = 0.008) than T stages determined with nonfunctional CT (rS = 0.80, p = 0.001; and rS = 0.51, p = 0.13, respectively). Twelve of 26 patients (46%) had a lower T stage on functional than on nonfunctional CT. In 14 of 26 patients (54%), the T stage was identical with both modalities. In no patients was the T stage increased by functional CT.

Functional CT appears to be more accurate than nonfunctional CT in the T staging of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas. Functional CT also results in lower T stages than nonfunctional CT in a substantial number of patients.

To establish the normal variations of the postcricoid portion of the hypopharynx, esophageal verge, and cervical esophagus, as seen on computed tomographic (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) images.

One hundred twenty-one CT and 92 MR images were reviewed. Diameter and wall thickness were measured at multiple levels. Depiction of the layers of the musculature and adjacent fat planes was evaluated. The frequency and size of the tracheoesophageal lymph nodes were noted.

An esophageal anteroposterior diameter greater than 16 mm and lateral diameter greater than 24 mm were considered abnormal. The average wall thickness was 4.8 mm laterally and 3.8 mm posteriorly. Demonstration of the intramural fat planes of the postcricoid region decreased from the upper to the lower region of the cricoid cartilage. The ability to separate the esophageal wall from the trachea was highest at the esophageal verge and declined markedly more distally. The tracheo-esophageal groove nodes were seen more often on the right (mean size [+/- SD], 4.5 mm +/- 2.2).

Knowledge of the normal appearance and variations of the post-cricoid region and cervical esophagus is essential in detecting abnormalities in these areas.

The hypopharynx is a clinically silent area and early lesions may be asymptomatic for a long period. At presentation, primary squamous cell carcinoma of this area is usually advanced. Almost all of these lesions are studied with imaging as part of the clinical work-up. The goal of this article is to help the practicing radiologist convey a report which provides information that will directly influence treatment of patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

The development of modern imaging techniques has significantly altered the treatment and management of these malignancies. Important treatment decisions that were once made intraoperatively are now made by using information from CT and MR imaging. The intent of this article is to provide the specific information that needs to be transmitted to the referring otolaryngologist or radiation oncologist and which will alter the treatment of patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity and oropharynx.

This study was undertaken to determine whether pretreatment computed tomography (CT) findings can predict local control in pyriform sinus carcinoma treated with definitive radiotherapy (RT).

Twenty-three patients with pyriform sinus carcinoma (T1: n = 5; T2: n = 18) were treated with high-dose RT and followed for a minimum of 2 years. Tumor volumes and extent were determined on pretreatment CT studies. The specific CT parameters assessed were analyzed as predictors of local control.

There was a significant decrease in local control rate for tumors over 6.5 mL (1 of 4 [25%]) relative to tumors under 6.5 mL (17 of 19 [89%]; p = .021). Sensitivity and specificity for local control using this cutoff were 94% and 60%, respectively. Tumor score, as a measure of anatomic extent, was also found to be a significant predictor of local control (p = .033). The local control rate was not influenced significantly by the presence of "minimal" apex disease (< 10 mm in greatest dimensions as measured on CT) but decreased significantly when "bulk" apex disease (> OR = 10 mm) was present (p = .027). Laryngeal cartilage sclerosis was not a significant predictor of outcome.

Computed tomography can stratify pyriform sinus carcinomas into groups more or less likely to be locally controlled with definitive RT.

A retrospective study of a group of 51 patients who underwent surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus was performed. Primary tumors and lymph nodes were reviewed histologically. The primary tumors were also examined by flow cytometry for DNA ploidy and cell cycle analysis. Sixteen (33%) of the cases were aneuploid and 64% had a moderate or high S-phase fraction. The overall 3-year survival rate was 49% (25/51). In the univariate analysis, tumor size, lymphatic invasion, inflammatory infiltrate, presence of lymph node metastases, clinical and histologic N status, size and number of lymph nodes involved, and presence of extracapsular extension all correlated with survival. When multivariate analysis was used, the only independent prognostic factors were tumor size, lymphatic invasion, and histologic N status. Ploidy and S-phase fraction did not contribute further prognostic information.

From January 1964 through December 1991, 408 patients with squamous cell carcinomas involving the pyriform sinus were treated at Washington University Medical Center. Their ages ranged from 29 to 83 years (mean, 62.3; median 59) and the male to female ratio was 5:1. The mean duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 3.9 months (range 1 to 32 months) and 89% had a smoking or ethanol history. Sixty-seven percent had T3 or T4 lesions and 87% were stage III or IV at presentation. Sixty-nine percent had neck metastases. The treatment strategy varied with respect to radiation and reconstruction. Prior to 1978, preoperative radiation (3.5 to 5000 cGy) was used. Postoperative radiation was given thereafter (600+ Gy). Since 1982, flap reconstruction (usually pectoralis major myocutaneous) has been used to close the partial laryngopharyngectomy (PLP) defect. Almost all N0 necks were treated by radiation or surgery and all N1-N3 lesions were treated by combined therapy. Pyriform tumors were subdivided into three groups: 1. one-wall lesions (n = 48), 2. medial-wall lesions which involved the aryepiglottic fold or supraglottis (N = 267), and 3. two- or three-wall lesions which extended to the pyriform apex or post-cricoid region (N = 93). Ninety-five patients had single-modality therapy and 302 had combined treatment. Two hundred seven patients had conservation surgery (PLP) and 157 had total laryngopharyngectomy alone or in combination with radiation. Thirty-three patients were treated by radiation alone. Eleven patients were excluded from the study because of distant metastases (TxNxM1) at presentation. The cumulative survival (NED) at 5, 10, 15, and 20 years was 56%, 35%, 31%, and 20%, respectively. The cumulative locoregional control rate was 71%. At 5 years (NED), the cure rates for one-wall lesions (73%) were better than for medial-wall lesions (63%) or 2- and 3-wall lesions (49%). One-wall lesions were smaller, medial-wall lesions behaved similar to supraglottic tumors, and two- or three-wall tumors behaved as hypopharyngeal tumors. The cure rates were related to T stage with T1 + T2 > T3 + T4 (28%). Neck metastases reduced the cure rate by 26% and N1 > N2-N3 by an additional 12%. Other factors contributing to therapeutic failure were distant metastases (17.7%), second primary tumors (6.2%; oropharynx and lung were most common), and intercurrent disease fatalities (9.5%). The secondary therapeutic salvage rate was 44% for surgery and 32% for radiation therapy. The therapeutic complication rate was 19% with 3.6% leading to fatality.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

We present our experience with irradiation alone or combined with neck dissection for AJCC T1-T2 pyriform sinus carcinoma and compare our results to those obtained with conservation surgery.

Seventy-three patients were treated between 1964 and 1990. All patients had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up; no patient was lost to follow-up.

The 5-year rates of local control and ultimate local control were, for Stage T1 (17 patients), 88% and 94%; and for Stage T2 (56 patients), 79% and 91%. Patients with T2 lesions had a significantly higher rate of local control after twice-daily, compared with once-daily, irradiation (p = .04). However, a multivariate analysis of various parameters revealed that none of the variables tested significantly influenced this end point: vocal cord mobility (p = .15), once- vs. twice-daily fractionation (p = .33), T1 vs. T2 (p = .32), apex invasion (p = .58), and pretreatment CT scan (p = .67). Local control with laryngeal voice preservation was obtained in 88% of patients with T1 cancers and 80% of those with T2 cancers. Ultimate control above the clavicles at 5 years according to AJCC stage was as follows: I and II, 100%; III, 78%; IVA, 75%; and IVB, 60%. The probability of cause-specific survival at 5 years was as follows: I and II, 100%; III, 83%; and IVA and IVB, 51%. Overall, nine patients (12%) developed severe complications, one of which was fatal.

Compared with available data from series using conservation surgery, radiotherapy alone or followed by neck dissection results in similar rates of local control and survival with a significantly lower risk of fatal complications.