Clinicopathological Features and Outcomes of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Superficial Cancer of the Pharynx

The efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for superficial cancer of the pharynx are still unclear. To identify clinicopathological features of superficial pharyngeal cancer, and the efficacy and safety of ESD, we retrospectively assessed 70 pharyngeal cancers in 59 patients who underwent ESD. Of these patients, 61.0% and 50.8% had a history of esophageal cancer and head and neck cancer, respectively. The median tumor size was 15 mm, and 75.7% of the lesions were located at the piriform sinus. The en bloc resection rate was 94.9%. Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 8 cases, but there was no treatment-related death. The lateral margin was positive for neoplasm in 3 lesions (4.3%) and inconclusive in 27 lesions (38.6%), but no local recurrence was observed. Cervical lymph node metastasis was observed in 6 patients, and was successfully treated by cervical lymph node dissection. The three-year overall survival rate was 91.5% (95%CI: 76.6-97.3%) and the cause-specific survival rate was 97.6% (95%CI: 84.9-99.7%). In conclusion, ESD for superficial pharyngeal cancer was safe and effective. “Resect and watch” is probably a feasible and rational strategy for treatment of patients with superficial pharyngeal cancer.