A 58-year-old male with a T2N1M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the left pyriform sinus (hypopharynx) presents with fixation of the ipsilateral vocal cord. The T category for this hypopharyngeal carcinoma is:
- A T2
- B T4b
- C T4a
- D T3 ✓
Correct answer: D. T3
Explanation
For hypopharyngeal carcinoma, AJCC 8th edition classifies vocal cord fixation as T3, regardless of tumor size. T2 applies to tumors 2-4 cm or extension to one adjacent site without cord fixation. T4a involves thyroid cartilage invasion or extension to deep tongue musculature, and T4b involves prevertebral fascia, carotid encasement, or mediastinal structures. Cord fixation indicates laryngeal muscle involvement, upstaging to T3.
Reference: AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.