Idiopathic ulceration of the hypopharynx.

At least three clinical variations of idiopathic ulceration of the oropharyngeal cavity are recognized. Major (or giant) aphthous ulceration is uncommon but may affect the hypopharynx producing severe pain, dysphagia, and severe scarring. Healing with systemic prednisolone may require large and prolonged dosage. In 7 out of 14 patients with hypopharyngeal ulceration gastrostomy was performed to assist nutrition and by-pass the cricopharyngeal region in an attempt at reducing subsequent scarring.