Symposium. ENT for nonspecialists. Supraglottic.

Because supraglottic cancer usually is diagnosed late and metastasizes early, the cure rate is poorer than for glottic cancer. Supraglottic lesions can spread in any direction. The main method of diagnosis is either indirect or direct laryngoscopy, and the main symptoms are vague throat pain, otalgia, hemoptysis, hoarseness, and enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Roentgenographic examination is useful only as a supplement to other diagnostic measures. Staging of the disease is important in determining the most effective therapy and in predicting the results of treatment. Treatment should be individualized for each patient and should be selected on the basis of lesion size and site, the presence or absence of regional metastasis, the general health of the patient, and the likelihood of faithful follow-up.