Chronic Hypoxia Due to Hypopharyngeal Cancer Presenting As Generalized Weakness: A Case Report

TL;DR

An elderly woman with generalized weakness was found to have hypopharyngeal cancer causing chronic hypoxia, showing how weakness can be a sign of airway obstruction.

Contribution

This case report highlights generalized weakness as a rare presentation of chronic hypoxia due to hypopharyngeal cancer.

Findings

Generalized weakness resolved with oxygen but recurred as hypopharyngeal cancer progressed.

Chronic hypoxia from airway obstruction can manifest as generalized weakness.

Thorough physical exams are crucial in identifying rare causes of weakness like hypopharyngeal cancer.

Abstract

Generalized weakness is a presentation well associated with various underlying medical conditions such as infection and malignancy. However, the association between generalized weakness and hypoxia has rarely been described. A female patient in her late 80s with generalized weakness was admitted to our emergency department. Inspiratory stridor and hypoxia were incidentally recognized, leading to the diagnosis of hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC) with chronic hypoxia. After oxygen supplementation, the generalized weakness completely resolved until the HPC started to occlude the airway. Her unusual presentation could indicate that she did not compensate for her deteriorating hypoxia due to progressive obstruction of her upper airway. This case highlights the importance of a thorough physical examination in diagnosing generalized weakness, empowering physicians to closely evaluate the cause of generalized weakness and recognize it as a potential presentation of chronic hypoxia.

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