A comparison of radiotherapy and surgery as primary treatment in the management of T3 N0 M0 glottic tumours.

Seventy-four patients with Stage T3 N0 M0 squamous carcinoma of the glottis were treated initially by either surgery or radiotherapy between 1980 and 1985. The treatment adopted was determined by consultant preference. The long-term survival in both groups was approximately the same. Of 38 patients treated initially by radiotherapy, 25 had local recurrence. Fifteen of these underwent salvage surgery and 10 died of disease. Thirteen patients (33 per cent) retained their larynx. One of the major advantages of treating patients with stage T3 N0 M0 carcinoma of larynx by radiotherapy initially is that approximately one-third will retain their larynx. Local recurrences can usually be treated readily by salvage surgery.