[Functional comparison of the voice quality after either open conservative surgery or only radiotherapy for early glottic carcinoma].

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article is to compare the functional results after open conservative surgery versus radiotherapy alone in the management of early glottic carcinoma using the Voice Handicap Index questionnaire (VHI).

METHODS

Retrospective study was done using VHI for evaluation of 37 patients treated either by open conservative surgery or radiotherapy in T1-T2N0M0 glottic laryngeal carcinoma.

RESULTS

19 patients were treated with radiotherapy. The overall survival rate and disease free after 5 years were 91.3%. The functional result was mild in 89%. 18 patients were treated surgically. The overall survival rate and disease free after 5 years were 93.1% and 95.4% respectively. The functional result was mild in 61% after surgery.

CONCLUSION

Radiotherapy alone seems to provide better functional results than partial surgery in T1-T2 glottic tumors.