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PubMed2001

Nkx2.5 and Nkx2.6, homologs of Drosophila tinman, are required for development of the pharynx.

Nkx2.5 and Nkx2.6 are murine homologs of Drosophila tinman. Their genes are expressed in the ventral region of the pharynx at early stages of embryogenesis. However, no abnormalities in the pharynges of embryos with mutations in either Nkx2.5 or Nkx2.6 have been reported. To examine the function of Nkx2.5 and Nkx2.6 in the formation of the pharynx, we generated and analyzed Nkx2.5 and Nkx2.6 double-mutant mice. Interestingly, in the double-mutant embryos, the pharynx did not form properly. Pharyngeal endodermal cells were largely missing, and the mutant pharynx was markedly dilated. Moreover, we observed enhanced apoptosis and reduced proliferation in pharyngeal endodermal cells of the double-mutant embryos. These results demonstrated a critical role of the NK-2 homeobox genes in the differentiation, proliferation, and survival of pharyngeal endodermal cells. Furthermore, the development of the atrium was less advanced in the double-mutant embryos, indicating that these two genes are essential for both pharyngeal and cardiac development.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Nitric oxide modulates elicitation of reflex swallowing from the pharynx in rats.

The pharynx is very important for elicitation of reflex swallowing. The region of the pharynx is innervated by the pharyngeal branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (GPN-ph). Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in various physiological functions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the contribution of NO to reflex swallowing evoked by electrical stimulation of the GPN-ph. Swallowing was evoked in urethane-anesthetized rats by application of repetitive electrical stimulation (10- to 20-microA amplitude, 10- to 20-Hz frequency, 1.0-ms duration) to the central cut end of the GPN-ph or superior laryngeal nerve. Swallowing was identified by electromyographic activity of the mylohyoid muscle. Latency to the first swallow and the interval between swallows were measured. Intravenous administration of N(G)-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA, 0.6 mg/kg), a nonselective inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS), extremely prolonged latency to the first swallow and the interval between swallows evoked by the GPN-ph. Intraperitoneal administration of 7-nitroindazole (5.0 mg/kg), a selective inhibitor of neuronal NOS, significantly prolonged latency to the first swallow and the interval between swallows evoked by the GPN-ph. Administration of L-arginine (an NO donor, 500 mg/kg) and sodium nitroprusside (an NO releaser, 0.6 mg/kg) restored the suppression of swallowing induced by the NOS inhibitor. Superior laryngeal nerve-evoked swallowing was suppressed by administration of a higher dose of L-NNA (6.0 mg/kg). Swallowing evoked by water stimulation of the pharynx was also suppressed by L-NNA (0.6 mg/kg). These results suggest that NO plays an important role in signal processing for initiation of reflex swallowing from the pharynx.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Anatomy of pharynx in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and in normal subjects.

Anatomic abnormalities of the pharynx are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but their contribution has never been conclusively proven. The present study tested this anatomic hypothesis by comparing the mechanics of the paralyzed pharynx in OSA patients and in normal subjects. According to evaluation of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) by nocturnal oximetry, subjects were divided into three groups: normal group (n = 17), SDB-1 (n = 18), and SDB-2 (n = 22). The static pressure-area relationship of the passive pharynx was quantified under general anesthesia with complete paralysis. Age and body mass index were matched among the three groups. The site of the primary closure was the velopharynx in 49 subjects and the oropharynx in only 8 subjects. Distribution of the location of the primary closure did not differ among the groups. Closing pressure (PC) of the velopharynx for SDB-1 and SDB-2 groups (0.90 +/- 1.34 and 2.78 +/- 2.78 cmH2O, respectively) was significantly higher than that for the normal group (-3.77 +/- 3.44 cmH2O; P < 0.01). Maximal velopharyngeal area for the normal group (2.10 +/- 0.85 cm2) was significantly greater than for SDB-1 and SDB-2 groups (1.15 +/- 0.46 and 1.06 +/- 0.75 cm2, respectively). The shape of the pressure-area curve for the velopharynx differed between normal subjects and patients with SDB, being steeper in slope near Pc in patients with SDB. Multivariate analysis of mechanical parameters and oxygen desaturation index (ODI) revealed that velopharyngeal Pc was the only variable highly correlated with ODI. Velopharyngeal Pc was associated with oropharyngeal Pc, suggesting mechanical interdependence of these segments. We conclude that the passive pharynx is more narrow and collapsible in sleep-apneic patients than in matched controls and that velopharyngeal Pc is the principal correlate of the frequency of nocturnal desaturations.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Mechanical properties of the passive pharynx in Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs. II. Dynamics.

We described the dynamic mechanical properties of the passive pharynx in Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and the effects of caudal tracheal displacement. During general anesthesia and neuromuscular blockade, airflow through the upper airway (V) and pharyngeal cross-sectional area were measured during ramp decreases in pressure downstream from the pharynx (Pdown). Measurements were made with 0, 1, and 2 cm of caudal tracheal displacement. Airflow limitation and/or negative pressure dependence (NPD) were observed in all animals. Tracheal displacement (2 cm) increased maximal V (V(max)) by 205.1 +/- 105.1% (P < 0.05) relative to the value with no displacement and increased the magnitude of NPD, expressed as percent decrease in V from V(max), from 22.9 +/- 27.4 to 56.6 +/- 37.5% (P < 0.05). Initial decreases in Pdown narrowed all levels of the pharynx, but, once V(max) was reached, further decreases in Pdown narrowed the hypopharynx but not the nasopharynx and oropharynx. We conclude that the hypopharynx is the flow-limiting site in the pig pharynx. Tracheal displacement not only improved airflow dynamics as V(max) increased but also resulted in pronounced NPD.

Airway Resistance↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of distension of the pharynx and esophagus on the stomach in dogs: experimental evidence for a pharyngoesophagogastric reflex.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of pharyngeal and esophageal distension on the pressure within the stomach aiming at assessing the stomach condition during passage of food boli through the pharynx and esophagus. METHODS: 12 dogs (mean weight 16.2 +/- 3.3 kg) were studied. With the animal under anesthesia, a 4-Fr manometric catheter was introduced into the stomach and a 2-Fr balloon-tipped catheter into the pharynx. The gastric pressure response to pharyngeal and esophageal distension, each at a time, was recorded. Distension was performed in increments of 2 ml of water up to 6 ml. The test was repeated while the pharynx, esophagus or stomach were separately anesthetized using 2% xylocaine. Bilateral truncal vagotomy was done in 4 dogs and the gastric response to pharyngoesophageal distension studied. RESULTS: Pharyngeal distension produced a significant pressure drop of the corpus of the stomach (p < 0.05); the pyloric antrum showed no response. Upper, middle or lower esophageal distension produced gastric response similar to that evoked by pharyngeal distension. The gastric response was abolished on distension of the anesthetized pharynx or esophagus, when the corpus was anesthetized, or after bilateral vagotomy. CONCLUSION: The proximal gastric dilatation on pharyngeal and esophageal distension postulates a reflex relationship between the two actions which we call 'pharyngoesophagogastric reflex'. This reflex is suggested to dilate the proximal stomach preparatory to receiving food boli from the esophagus; it was abolished after anesthetizing its possible two arms arising from the pharyngoesophagus and the stomach, or after vagotomy.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Size and mechanical properties of the pharynx in healthy men and women.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has a marked male predominance. To determine whether there are differences in the mechanical properties of the pharynx of men and women that may contribute to the gender difference in disease incidence, we measured pharyngeal cross-sectional area during quiet breathing in 77 normal men and 98 normal women using the acoustic pulse technique. Standard pulmonary function tests were also performed. Pharyngeal mechanics were studied in 23 men and 34 women by measuring the change in pharyngeal area during a slow vital capacity maneuver. Gender was found to be the most important independent factor contributing to pharyngeal size. The men had a significantly larger pharynx than the women (3.63 +/- 0.10 versus 3.20 +/- 0.09 cm2, mean +/- SEM; p < 0.01). Pharyngeal mechanics were also different between men and women. The men had a larger change in pharyngeal area with changing lung volume than the women (0.60 +/- 0.14 versus 0.12 +/- 0.12 cm2, mean +/- SEM; p < 0.02). This difference persisted even after normalizing the data for pharyngeal size. We found that there are gender-related differences in the size and mechanical properties of the pharynx and speculate that the larger pharynx of men may be more than offset by greater changes in pharyngeal size with changing lung volume, contributing to the greater incidence of OSA in men.

Acoustics↗
PubMed2002

Study on the function of pharynx upper esophageal sphincter in globus hystericus.

AIM: Globus pharyngeus is not an uncommon symptom. Presently, its unclear dated pathophysiology remains unclear and the disease can not be evaluated correctly with routine diagnostic methods. The objective of this study is to establish the normal values of pharyngeal and UES pressure, pharyngeal transit time in healthy volunteers and to compare the differences between healthy volunteers and patients with globus pharyngeus. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy volunteers and thirty-two patients clinically diagnosed as globus pharyngeus entered the study. Pressures of pharynx and UES were measured. Pharyngeal transit time was measured by videofluoroscopic procedure. RESULTS: Normal pressure of pharynx, and normal resting pressure of UES were 157.81+/-63.86 mmHg and 68.33+/-37.56 mmHg, respectively. The corresponding values in the patients were 175.50+/-93.47 mmHg and 71.38+/-41.42 mmHg. The pharyngeal transit time was 1.44+/-0.30 s in normal control group, among them there were 4 cases with stasis of barium in the valleculae and one in the piriform sinus. No laryngeal penetration or aspiration was found. In the patient group, the pharyngeal transit time was 1.37+/-0.41 s, among them there were 6 cases with stasis of barium in the valleculae and 5 in the piriform sinus. 9 cases had laryngeal penetration and 2 had aspiration. There were no statistical differences of pressures of pharynx, UES and the pharyngeal transit time between the two groups. But there was an association between laryngeal penetration and globus pharyngeus. CONCLUSION: Radiographic examination of the pharynx show specific findings of pharyngeal dysfunction in patients with globus pharyngeus. UES pressure is normal in most patients. Hence, we find no role for UES hypertonicity as an etiologic factor in globus pharyngeus.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Pharmacological characterization of the response of the leech pharynx to acetylcholine.

In this study we document the sensitivity of the leech pharynx to acetylcholine and begin to characterize the acetylcholine receptor mediating this response by examining the effects of selective cholinergic agonists and antagonists on the contractile behavior of the pharynx. The order of potency derived from the EC50 of each agonist was (+/-)epibatidine > acetylcholine (in the presence of physostigmine) >> McN A-343 >> carbachol > nicotine. However, when response amplitude was considered, the order of potency to the tested agonists was (+/-)epibatidine >> nicotine >> McN A-343 >> carbachol > acetylcholine. Acetylcholine-induced contractions of the pharynx were antagonized by d-tubocurarine, but not by alpha-bungarotoxin, alpha-conotoxin M1, or mecamylamine. Application of high concentrations of hexamethonium (1 mM) augmented the acetylcholine-induced contractions. However, this augmentation was apparently due to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase by hexamethonium. The muscarinic antagonist atropine produced complex actions and apparently acted as a mixed agonist/antagonist. Atropine by itself produced an increase in basal tonus and increased the frequency and amplitude of phasic contractions. Atropine increased the peak tension of the acetylcholine-induced response; however, it reduced the amplitude of both the acetylcholine-induced increase in basal tonus and integrated area. Based on the pharmacological profile of the pharyngeal acetylcholine response, we conclude that the acetylcholine receptor mediating the response is a nicotinic receptor. However, the responsiveness of the pharynx to muscarinic agents diverges from that of a classical nicotinic receptor.

Acetylcholine↗
PubMed2000

[Measurement of the square measure of the pharynx and the positional diagnosis of airway obstruction during obstructive sleep apnea syndrome by dynamic MRI].

The purpose of this study was to apply dynamic MRI for the positional diagnosis of airway obstruction during snoring and sleep apnea and to compare the apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and the square measure of the pharynx obtained before and after laser-assisted uvula-palate-pharyngoplasty (LAUP). From December 1997 to October 1998, dynamic MRI and overnight monitoring were performed at the hospital of Tokyo Medical University on 42 patients who complained of snoring and symptoms related to sleep apnea syndrome (SAS). Of the 42 patients, four exhibited collapse at the position of the soft palate (soft palate type) as diagnosed by dynamic MRI, and four exhibited collapse at the position of the soft palate as well as the tongue (complex type). LAUP was performed on these eight patients with obstructive SAS (OSAS). After LAUP, the AHI of these eight patients with OSAS decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The square measure of the pharynx of these eight patients was increased (p < 0.01). The AHI of all four patients with soft-palate obstruction decreased, and the square measure of the pharynx of three of these four patients increased. The AHI of three of four patients with the complex type decreased, while the square measure of the pharynx of two of these four patients increased.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The pharynx of the nematode Ascaris suum: structure and function.

The pharyngeal muscle of nematodes consists of a syncytium of radial muscle whereby feeding occurs by the process of pharyngeal pumping. It is believed that the pumping behaviour of the pharynx may be partly controlled by the enteric nervous system (ENS), a component of the nematode nervous system which is associated predominantly with the pharynx. The distribution of serotoninergic and peptidergic (especially SALMF-amide-like) immunostaining is widespread in the ENS of Ascaris, being localized within the lateral and dorsal pharyngeal nerve tracts, the pharyngeal commissures, the nerve plexuses and associated nerve cells and fibres. Immunostaining for serotonin (5-HT) was only localized within the ENS. This paper also describes a method to enable in vitro pharmacological studies on the Ascaris pharynx. The effects of "classical" neurotransmitters and native nematode peptides on pharyngeal pumping behaviour in Ascaris have been investigated. The function of the pharynx in Ascaris is discussed.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Epilarynx: pharynx or larynx?

BACKGROUND: As a general rule, epilarynx is studied as a part of supraglottis. On the contrary, in France, due to its particular natural history, it is often studied separately. METHODS: To assess the value of this French classification, we compared from an epidemiologic point of view, in one study, 86 cases of epilarynx squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) with 431 oropharynx, 339 hypopharynx, and 89 vestibule SCC. In another study, we compared, from a clinical point of view, 232 epilarynx SCC with 1351 oropharynx, 652 hypopharynx, and 372 vestibule SCC. RESULTS: Epilarynx patients appeared to be much heavier drinkers than larynx patients and similar to pharynx patients but tobacco consumption did not differ. The patterns of nodal involvement were similar for pharynx and epilarynx SCC. For stages I and II, patterns of failures were similar, but for stages III and IV, there were fewer locoregional failures in vestibule patients; distant metastases were equally frequent for these tumors. From the standpoint of multiple primaries, epilarynx SCC appeared to be more akin to pharynx than to larynx SCC with a much lower incidence of lung cancers. Finally, the outcome after treatment was different for vestibule, epilarynx, and pharynx SCC, with a 5-year survival of 43%, 27%, and 13%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the identification of epilarynx as a real entity that should be taken into account for stratification in clinical trials.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1989

Misonidazole combined with split-course radiotherapy in the treatment of invasive carcinoma of larynx and pharynx: report from the DAHANCA 2 study.

Between October 1979 and May 1985, 626 patients with pharynx and larynx carcinoma were randomized to two different split-course radiation regimens and given either misonidazole (MISO; 11 g/m2) or placebo during the initial 4 weeks of treatment. Patients in the different treatment groups were evenly distributed among stages. The small number of females (136) gave an uneven distribution, thus making analysis difficult. The results show that females had a statistically better loco-regional control (45 vs. 33%; 5-year actuarial value). Overall, the MISO treated group did not have a significantly better control rate than the placebo groups (37 vs. 34%). However, a difference was found in patients with pharynx carcinomas (38 vs. 27%; p less than 0.05). The pre-irradiation hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was found to be a prognostic parameter. In females, loco-regional control for IIb values below or above 8 mmol/l were 37 and 47%, respectively. In males, the same values were below or above 9 mmol/l 26 and 38%. Hb influence on local control was only seen in supraglottic and pharynx tumors. This effect was independent of tumor size, which also was of prognostic value. In addition Hb concentration and MISO had an apparent additive effect. Thus in the male pharynx group, placebo patients with low Hb had a 14% disease rate compared to 40% in MISO treated patients with Hb above 9 mmol/l. MISO induced significant peripheral neuropathy in 26% of the treated patients, whereas other drug related side effects were minimal and tolerable.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed2003

Functional morphology and evolutionary origin of the three-part pharynx in nematodes.

The distinct morphological regions of the typical tripartite pharynx found in the nematode taxon Secernentea have distinctive functions. Besides the basic functions of sucking and pumping food against the pressure in the body cavity, the pharynx of Secernentea such as rhabditids serves two additional functions restricted to two pharyngeal subunits. The corpus traps bacteria behind the stoma and at its posterior end. The newly discovered pharyngeal pocket valve helps to trap particles behind the corpus in the rhabditid Poikilolaimus oxycercus and the cephalobid Acrobeles ciliatus (both Secernentea). The grinder of the terminal bulb serves for chewing trapped bacteria. The separated sites of trapping and chewing are connected by the isthmus that transports bacteria towards the grinder. It is likely that this complex feeding structure originated step by step from a two-part pharynx comprising a propharynx and the terminal bulb as in "Plectidae" (that probably include the closest relatives of the Secernentea within the "Adenophorea"). Analysis of video sequences of feeding rhabditids and plectids provided new data to reconstruct this transformation. Within the "Plectidae" two types of grinders occur. The first type or "parietinus type" has triangular chewing plates that can bulge medially and crush food particles. When they retract, new ingested particles are drawn into the grinder. The second type with more solid chewing plates called "butterfly valves" occurs in Ceratoplectus, Plectus parvus, and Wilsonema and can be homologized with the grinder in Secernentea ("Plectidae" is a paraphyletic taxon). Because butterfly valves cannot be retracted, the evolution of such valves required the evolution of an alternative mechanism to fill the grinder with bacteria. The differentiated closing pattern of the dilated pharynx lumen in Ceratoplectus, Plectus parvus, and Wilsonema can be interpreted as the first step in the development of a functional separation of trapping bacteria and of transporting them towards the grinder, which led to the morphologically discernible units of corpus and isthmus found in the Secernentea.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1991

Effect of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption in the aetiology of cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx.

This study presents a comparative risk pattern for cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx, in relation to cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption based on data from case-control studies conducted in Korea Cancer Center Hospital, Seoul, Korea. The risk of cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx rose for current smokers and declined for ex-smokers. In males the odds ratios (ORs) for these sites rose with duration of smoking and number of cigarettes smoked per day. The relationship is strongest for laryngeal cancer. The risk for all sites was elevated linearly as amount and frequency of alcohol intake increased. Heavy drinkers, i.e. males who drank 90 g ethanol daily had an approximately 15-fold risk of cancer of the oral cavity, an 11-fold risk of pharyngeal cancer and an 11-fold risk of laryngeal cancer compared with non-drinkers. Alcohol drinking was a much stronger risk factor for cancer of the oral cavity than cancer of the pharynx and larynx. Alcohol was a much weaker risk factor for laryngeal cancer than cigarette smoking. Cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx also showed an interaction between smoking and alcohol, suggesting a synergistic effect.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Huge benign mesenchymoma in the pharynx-esophagus].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the diagnosis and management of the benign mesenchymoma in pharynx-esophagus. METHOD: Records of 2 cases with the benign mesenchymoma, arising from the pharynx-esophagus, were reviewed. RESULT: These tumors, their pedicle attached to the lateral pharynx or esophageal orifice and the body fall down to the esophagus, were large and solitary. Complete surgical resection is believed to be the most suitable treatment by lateral pharyngotomy. CONCLUSION: The benign mesenchymoma in pharynx-esophagus is a rare disease which might be misdiagnosis. Diagnosis is based on typical histologic features as well as clinical information. The prognosis is favorable.

Esophageal Neoplasms↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx in Karachi--identification of potential risk factors.

The objective of the study was to provide an overview of the demographics of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx in Karachi South (1995-2001), and identify potential risk factors. Cases recorded for Karachi South, at Karachi Cancer Registry during 1(st) January 1995 to 31(st) December 2002 were analysed. For maximum completion of data cancer cases, recorded from 1(st) January 1995 to 31(st) December 2001 were included for final analysis. The age standardized incidence rates per 100000 population (ASIRs) for cancer of the oral cavity (excluding salivary gland) in Karachi South were 17.1 and 16.5 in males and females whereas the ASIRs for cancer of the pharynx (excluding nasopharynx) were 7.1 and 2.4 in males and females, respectively. The oral pharyngeal ratios were 2.4 and 6.9 for males and females and gender ratios (M F) were 1.04 for the oral cavity and 3.0 for the pharynx. The mean ages were 51 years (95% CI 49.6; 52.2) and 56.1 years (95% CI 54.4; 57.8) respectively. Cancer of the oral cavity ranked 2(nd) in Karachi in both genders. Cancer of the pharynx ranked 7(th) in males and 14(th) in females. Approximately 97% of the oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers were histologically confirmed. The majority of the oral (47.1%) and pharyngeal (51.9%) cancer cases presented as grade II lesions, and were discovered at advanced stages. Of the cancers reported during 1995-2001, 60.4% of the oral and 78.1% of the pharyngeal lesions had spread to a distant site at the time of diagnosis. Squamous cell carcinoma comprised 96.5% and 91.8% of the totals. The incidences of these cancers are comparable to the highest risk regions of the world. As distinct from other geographical areas oral cancer is as common in females as in males, which may reflect the pattern of exposure to known risk factors such as betal quid, arecanut and tobacco and the absence of alcohol as a risk factor in both genders. Apergillus contamination of arecanut could also be a risk factor but no confirmation studies or quantification is available. Despite the common risk factors, incidence of pharyngeal cancer is three times higher in men as compared with women. The keys to reducing the incidence and mortality due to oral and pharyngeal cancers are prevention and control, emphasizing cessation of tobacco use and cancer screening. However a targeted cancer and tobacco control program does not presently exist in Pakistan.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed1995

[Plastic surgery of the pharynx and cervical esophagus using a revascularized intestinal segment in children].

Three children with isolated cicatricial stenosis of the pharynx and cervical esophagus were subjected to operation for segmental plasty with a free intestinal segment (2 jejunal and one sigmoid). In all cases the segment was anastomosed with the side of the carotid and internal jugular vein on the neck under 3.2 magnification. No complications occurred. The results of the operation showed a high effectiveness of segmental plasty in stenosis of the cervical esophagus. In cicatricial stenosis of the pharynx, in addition to restoration of normal deglutition, breathing through the pharynx must be fully restored, which makes segmental reconstruction of the pharynx in children more difficult.

Burns, Chemical↗
PubMed1993

Survival of Danish cancer patients 1943-1987. Buccal cavity and pharynx.

Cancers of the buccal cavity and pharynx are anatomically related and (with the exception of cancers of the salivary glands and nasopharynx) share risk factors, i.e., tobacco and alcohol. For cancers of the lip ("lipstick area") exposure to sunlight is also an important risk factor. Cancers of the buccal cavity and pharynx are rare tumours, accounting for less than 2% of all malignant tumours in Denmark. The largest group is lip cancers (6545 cases in 1943-87) for which the survival rate remained high during the study period, 95-99% of patients surviving longer than five years. Survival from cancer of the tongue (1555 cases in 1943-87) and cancer of the mouth (2770 cases) also remained fairly constant during the period; the relative one-year survival rate for males were 57% for tongue cancer and 75% for mouth cancer in 1983-87. Survival (Kaplan-Meier estimates) from cancers at either site diagnosed in 1978-87 was better for females than for males; however, relative mortality was higher among males than among females for cancer of the tongue (16.3 after one year compared to 11.9 among females), while relative mortality for mouth cancer was 8.9 and 7.8, respectively. After five years, relative mortality was 1.6 and 2.6 for male patients and 1.7 and 1.6 for female patients with cancer of the tongue and mouth. Five-year survival rate after cancer of the salivary glands (2147 cases) fell from 73 in males and 81% in females in 1943-47 to 45 and 71% in 1983-87. During the same period, however, the incidence rate almost halved, and patients were generally older at presentation, with more advanced tumours. The one-year survival rate from tumours of the pharynx (2948 cases; 38% in the tonsils, 28% in the naso-pharynx and 25% in the hypopharynx) increased between 1943 and 1987 from 48% in males and 48% in females to 59% and 67%. After five years, relative mortality was still high in both males (2.5), and females, (4.9).

Age Factors↗