Oncologic results of partial laryngectomy for early stage glottic carcinoma

Abstract

Introduction: The squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx is the sixth most common neoplasm and the second neoplasm of the head and neck, immediately after oral cancer. Long-term prognosis is quite favorable depending on the stage of lesion, extension of the cancer at diagnosis, with overall 5-year survival rate of 65%-70%. Aim: To evaluate the results after partial laryngectomy for early glottic squamous cell carcinoma. Study design: Clinical retrospective. Material and Method: Retrospective analysis of the medical chart of 59 patients that have undergone partial laryngectomy. Patients excluded were as follows: previously treated, with tumor involvement larger than 10 mm below the glottis, lesions with macroscopic extension to the vestibular folds, and lesions with decreased vocal fold mobility at laryngoscopy and follow-up below 36 months. Results: 12 patients (20.3%) with recurrence, one (1) regional recurrence (1.7%) and 11 local recurrences (18.6%). Oncologic control with surgical rescue (total laryngectomy) was achieved in 75% the cases. Severe complications (glottis stenosis and tracheobronchial aspiration) occurred only in 2 patients (3.4%). Conclusions: Partial laryngectomy is a safe and effective procedure to treat most early glottis carcinoma. In addition, because of its versatility it provides safety in radical cancer and enables patient's functional re-adaptation.