OBJECTIVETo evaluate perioperative radiotherapy and laryngeal preservation clinical result of hypopharyngeal pyriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODSA retrospective review was undertaken of 134 pyriform sinus squamous cell carcinoma cases who were treated at this institute in Department of Head and Neck Surgery from September 1985 to July 2001. One hundred patients received preoperative radiotherapy and surgery (R + S). Thirty-four patients received surgery and postoperative radiotherapy (S + R). The median follow-up interval was 38.1 months.

RESULTS(R + S) and (S + R) group 3-year and 5-year survival according to Kaplan-Meier were 54.8%, 50.1%; 51.1%, 45.9% respectively, and had no significant differences (all P > .05). The laryngeal function preservation of T1, T2, T3, T4 in (R +S) and (S + R) were 4/5, 3/3; 66.7% (32/48), 6/6; 32.4% (12/37), 0 (0/16); 0 (0/10), 0/9 respectively. T3 stage in (R + S) was good and significant different than in (S + R) (P < 0.05) and laryngeal preservation didn't increase hazard of survival and local recurrence. The two group Pathology( + ,P + ) in specimen margin were 7.0% (7/100); 20.6% (7/34) and had significant difference (P <0. 05). P + in specimen margin and clinical N stage are obvious interrelated in prognosis(P < 0. 05).

CONCLUSIONSCombined therapy (R + S) and (S + R) are equal in treat result. T3 (only paraglottic space is invaded) stage of (R + S) could increase preserved laryngeal ratio if condition is permitted and didn't add hazard. P + in specimen margin could be receded in (R + S) and profit to prognosis and function. Clinical N stage is obvious hazard and is an emphasis in combined therapy.