CO2 laser for treating glottic carcinoma.

Fifty cases of glottic carcinomas treated with CO2 laser were reviewed. The recurrence rate was fairly high (19/50), especially in T1b and T2 cases. The recurrences were successfully treated in all but 1 case who refused treatment. The 3-year crude survival rate was 92% and the 3-year determinate survival rate was 98%. The ultimate voice conservation rate was 100% for T1a, 76% for T1b and 71% for T2 cases. The results led us to the following conclusion: (1) glottic T1a carcinomas can be eradicated with laser excision biopsy preserving good vocal function; (2) for glottic T1b and selected cases of T2, laser debulking followed by radiotherapy is one of the best choices of treatment.