title: Lipoma of hypopharynx.
abstract: The histologically benign hypopharyngeal lipoma is a potentially fatal tumour because of the risk of upper airway obstruction. It may be asymptomatic or present with symptoms ranging from vague foreign-body sensation to sore throat, dysphagia or dysphonia. The diagnosis may be suggested by indirect or fibreoptic laryngoscopy. Lateral neck soft tissue X-ray and barium swallow may help but CT imaging of the pharynx enables a more precise preoperative diagnosis. Treatment is by surgical excision of the lesion either perorally, endoscopically or via a lateral pharyngotomy. Long-term follow-up is recommended due to the possibility of recurrence and metachronous lesions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, National University Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: K K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Abraham
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Yeoh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007013:Hypopharynx / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008067:Lipoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed