Hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma masquaerading as retropharyngeal abscess and presenting as stridor in young male with diabetes mellitus (type I): A case report

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is an epithelial malignancy involving many anatomical sites and is the most common cancer capable of metastatic spread. It is relatively uncommonly reported in the hypopharynx. To see for any association between hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma and diabetes mellitus I and its incidence, management, and prognosis in a young population. Methodology: A 21-year-old male presented with stridor, dysphagia, and dyspnea. Laryngoscopy, computed tomography (CT) showing the presence of a large, heterogeneously enhancing lesion in retropharyngeal space measuring 3.5 × 4.8 * 5.9 cm extending from C2 to C6 level, extending superiorly till the level of the oropharynx and inferiorly till subglottis, displacing both lobes of thyroid gland anterolaterally, with effacement of bilateral pyriform sinuses anteriorly, and histopathology showed squamous cell carcinoma on the posterior hypopharyngeal wall. Results: contrast enhanced computed tomography (CECT) (neck revealed heterogeneously enhancing lesion in retropharyngeal space extending from C2 to C6. Histopathology revealed a squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx (T3N0M0, Stage III). Conclusions: we review recent progress in the study of the relationship between diabetes mellitus and SCC, and its potential mechanisms, to provide a scientific basis for the early diagnosis and effective treatment of these diseases. Thorough histopathology along with radiology is required for a correct diagnosis of hypopharyngeal carcinoma.