Clinical study of T1a glottic-type cancer.

Laser surgery is indicated for T1a glottic cancer when the tumor is localized in the membranous portion without involvement of the anterior commissure or cartilagenous portion. Treatment for T1a glottic cancer was reviewed with particular attention to indications, prognosis and the pattern of recurrent cases. A group treated with laser surgery showed 5-year local control, larynx conservation and survival rates of 90.5%, 100% and 100%, respectively. Corresponding values for a group treated with radiotherapy were 92.2%, 98.0% and 100%, respectively. In three cases of recurrence, laser surgery was carried out as second and third treatments. These cases met the above-mentioned indications for laser surgery at the time of recurrence and re-recurrence. Of the three patients, two have survived for > or = 6 years without further recurrences. Provided strict selection criteria are applied, laser surgery is indicated in some cases of recurrence.