Comparison of different surgical approaches in T2 glottic cancer.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the oncologic results of endoscopic and open surgical techniques in treating T2 glottic carcinomas.

METHODS

The medical chart of 354 patients with T2 glottic cancer managed with primary surgery were reviewed. Laser microsurgery and frontolateral partial laryngectomy were compared for disease-specific survival and local control rates, incidence of major complications, and related tracheostomies. Additionally, the influence of the anterior commissure invasion on these oncologic parameters was evaluated.

RESULTS

No statistically significant differences were found between the surgical procedures regarding our oncologic parameters. A lower incidence of tracheotomies and complications were comparatively found for laser surgery. Tumor invasion of the anterior commissure did not seem to influence the oncologic results.

CONCLUSION

Transoral surgery seems to be the treatment of choice for T2 glottic cancer. In our view, open partial laryngectomy should be reserved for those cases in which the lesion cannot be adequately exposed by direct microlaryngoscopy.