Results of pretreatment swallowing evaluation in patients with stage III/IV laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma.

Introduction: Laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma are among the common head and neck cancers causing considerable swallowing dysfunction. The functional status of the organ (larynx) is an important point of contention while considering the patients for organ preservation protocol.

Methodology: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the swallowing status in stage III/IV laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinoma and its influence on treatment decision.