Transoral CO2 Laser Cordectomy in early Glottic Cancer

Tae, Kyung; Ji, Yong Bae; Jin, Bong Joon; Park, Chul Won; Lee, Hyung Seok

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: For the treatment of early glottic cancer, not only complete excision of tumor, but also preservation of laryngeal function is important. Several methods such as open partial laryngectomy, transoral endoscopic CO2 laser partial laryngectomy, radiation therapy are possible. This study was performed to investigate the utility of laser cordectomy and its oncologic and functional outcomes.
SUBJECTS AND METHOD
A retrospective analysis was performed for patients of 31 cases of early glottic cancer who were treated with transoral CO2 laser cordectomy at the Hanyang University Hospital from November 1997 to Decemcer 2004. We analyzed oncologic and functional outcomes with the review of medical records.
RESULTS
Among 31 cases of early glottic cancer, 30 cases were male and 1 case was female. The mean age was 61.4 years (45-77 years), and the mean follow up period was 34 months (13-97 months). Histopathologically, one case was verrucous carcinoma and the others were squamous cell carcinoma. According to T stage, 31 cases were classified into 3 Tis, 22 T1a, 4 T1b, and 2 T2. Local recurrence occurred in 2 cases. One patient was in disease free state after salvage total laryngectomy and 1 patient was alive with disease state because he denied further treatment. The major complications such as aspiration, respiratory distress were not found in any of 31 cases. Minor complications such as anterior web, polyp, granulation tissue were found in 8 cases (25.8%).
CONCLUSION
Transoral CO2 laser cordectomy might be the effective treatment modalitiy in early glottic carcinoma because of high local control rate, excellent functional outcomes and low complication rate.