[Histopathological study of local invasiveness of transglottic cancer].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the characteristics and relevant factors of transglottic cancer invading paraglottic space (PGS) and pre-epiglottic space (PES).

METHODS

Whole-organ serial sections of 50 transglottic cancer specimens were studied histopathologically.

RESULTS

Transglottic cancer invading PGS was observed in 39 of the 50 (78.0%) specimens. In 32 of the 39 specimens, the invasion outstripped PGS, involving elastic cone in 26(81.3%), thyroid cartilage in 24(75.0%) and cricothyroid membrane in 20(62.5%). Transglottic cancer invading PES was seen in 23 of the 50 specimens (46.0%). With the increase in tumor staging and tumor size, PGS and PES became increasingly invaded. There were two possible routes of invasion to PES: a) extending anteriorly and upward via PGS; b) extending upward via anterior commissure to destroy the stem of epiglottic cartilage.

CONCLUSION

PGS is easily invaded by transglottic cancer. Partial laryngectomy is recommended in patients with T3, T4 transglottic cancer larger than 20 mm in diameter.