About hypopharynx stenosis

The hypopharynx is the lowermost part of the pharynx, beginning at the level of the tip of the epiglottis and ending at the level of the lower border of the cricoid cartilage. At that point the upper aerodigestive tract continues into the cervical esophagus. The pyriform sinuses on each side, the posterior pharyngeal wall and the post-cricoid region form the three designated anatomic sites within the hypopharynx.

 
The hypopharynx

Postcricoid hypopharyngeal stenosis is a devastating complication of organ-sparing chemoradiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Complete stenosis of the postcricoid hypopharynx leads to an inability to swallow resulting in aspiration and gastrostomy tube dependence. Total stenosis needs surgical correction with preservation of the larynx whenever possible.

 
Postcricoid hypopharyngeal stenosis

Postcricoid hypopharyngeal stenosis