T3 glottic cancer: oncologic results and prognostic factors.

OBJECTIVES

To analyze oncologic results, prognostic factors, and consideration of transglottic tumors as a separate entity in 73 patients with T3 glottic carcinoma treated by surgery +/- radiation therapy at La Paz University Hospital from 1984 to 1994.

METHODS

Sixty-four patients underwent a total laryngectomy; neck dissection was performed in 50 patients; 29 patients received postoperative radiotherapy.

RESULTS

The 5-year overall survival, cause-specific survival, and relapse-free survival rates were 58.1%, 66.8%, and 63.7%. Univariate analysis revealed prognostic significance for age, dyspnea, initial tracheostomy, and pathologic lymph node status. No difference was found when comparing survival and relapse rates between transglottic and glottic tumors.

CONCLUSION

Surgery provides acceptable rates of cancer control and survival for patients with T3 glottic carcinoma. Older patients, patients with positive neck nodes, and those presenting with dyspnea have worse prognosis. The term transglottic is merely descriptive and has little impact on prognosis.