Pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis from hypopharyngeal adenosquamous carcinoma.

Although pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis (PLC) is not uncommon for breast, bronchial, and stomach cancers, it is rarely associated with head and neck malignancy. A case of PLC is reported with the primary lesion being an adenosquamous carcinoma of the hypopharynx. A literature review is discussed, highlighting the varied radiographic picture of PLC, the possible diagnostic modalities, the proposed pathogenesis, and the treatment options. The prognosis even if antemortum diagnosis and treatment are given remains fatal, although with temporary improved quality of life and lengthened survival. There is hope that with greater awareness of the disease process an increased incidence of diagnosis may allow progress to be made in therapeutic interventions.