Abstract
The fifth edition of the TNM classification contains some changes of the T category and stage IV grouping concerning hypopharyngeal carcinoma.
In a retrospective study, the clinical courses of 94 patients with carcinoma of the hypopharynx were comparatively evaluated according to the fourth and fifth editions of the TNM classification by UICC.
In reclassifying the primary tumor, 18 cases (19%) were assigned to the new T category. Consequently, 5 cases (5%) had a change in assigned clinical stage.
Despite the change in the T classification, application of the new T category to the stage gouping led to minor changes in the distribution within Stages I-III and these tumors could be assigned to Stage IV in most cases (Stage IVA, 58%; Stage IVB, 10%).
On the basis of the fourth edition of the TNM classification, the following overall 5-year survial rates for 84 operated cases were calculated: Stage II, 63%; Stage III, 78%; and Stage IV, 42%.
The calculations based on the fifth edition yielded the following: Stage II, 75%; Stage III, 68%; Stage IVA, 47%; and Stage IVB, 23%.
At the time of diagnosis, the majority of the patients with carcinoma of the hypopharynx will be assigned to Stage IV.
Although the distribution within the three substages of Stage IV was not homogenous, the prognostic relevance was shown in the survival rates.
In conclusion, it can be said that the prognostic relevance of the revised stage grouping for carcinoma of the hypophaynx could be corroborated by 84 documented cases.
