LIPOMA OF THE HYPOPHARYNX PRODUCING MENACING SYMPTOMS

Abstract

BENIGN neoplasms of the hypopharynx occur infrequently and may grow to relatively large dimensions without being detected. However, symptoms do result from encroachment of the tumorous mass on the laryngeal airway or the esophageal lumen. The commonest of these benign tumors is the fibrolipoma, which may be single or multiple, sessile or pedunculated. In 1934, Kramer¹ reported 26 such instances. Since that time, a review of the literature revealed seven additional cases of fibrolipoma² indicating the infrequent occurrence of this tumor in the hypopharynx. Eggston and Wolff³ found true lipoma in the pharyngeal region rare, although occasionally such a neoplasm is situated at the base of the tongue. Pedunculated tumors, having a limited attachment by a narrow pedicle to the cricoid. may hang suspended in the esophageal lumen and thus not be visualized by mirror examination. In such circumstances, the fibrolipoma can produce either esophageal symptoms by