Evaluation and correction of dysphagia‐producing cervical osteophytosis

Cervical osteophytosis may or may not be causally related to concomitant dysphagia. Several characteristics of the osteophyte suggest relation to dysphagia: 1. large size; 2. location in the cricoid region; and 3. hoarseness or cough (periesophagitis) caused by rapid expansion of the bony mass. Surgical excision and repair are necessary in unremitting dysphagia. For high cervical lesions, a transoral repair has been proposed; for mid and lower cervical disease, an external approach is performed. A careful consideration of the differential diagnosis of cervical dysphagia is necessary prior to beginning therapy.