title: Progressive dysphagia in an elderly male.
abstract: Dysphagia can result from a variety of causes, including central nervous and peripheral nervous system, myogenic, and structural disorders. A 76-year-old man underwent anterior cervical disketomy and fusion 10 years ago, with progressive dysphagia noted 2 years ago. Endoscopy showed an oropharyngeal tumor, and lateral plain film evaluation of the neck revealed a cervical plate extrusion. Removal of the instrumentation and tumor with primary closure of the pharyngeal perforation was performed, and dysphagia was resolved postoperatively. We report the case of an unusual presentation in the pharynx. We should not neglect this rare diagnosis, because it can progress to a life-threatening outcome.
authors: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors: Po-Shao
authors: PS
authors: Chen
authors: Da-Tong
authors: DT
authors: Ju
authors: Jih-Chin
authors: JC
authors: Lee
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007405:Intervertebral Disc Displacement / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013123:Spinal Fusion