Conservation surgery of the larynx--when?

This presentation has dealt with the question of when to perform conservation surgery of the larynx for cancer. The authors included a recommendation for the use of radiotherapy because it is an obvious extension of the issue. It should be clear that this is a complex problem involving relatively few patients compared with the number of radiation therapists and head and neck surgeons throughout the country. Eligibility for conservation surgery of the larynx is dependent upon many factors in addition to the gross extent of the tumor. Since radiation will be one of the choices of therapy, it is imperative that the head and neck surgeon dealing with these problems have an excellent working relationship with a radiation oncologist. A surgical pathologist with a specific interest in head and neck diseases is a required member of the team. As with any other team endeavor, no one member can assume that his talents alone can win the game.