Endoscopic treatment of Cis-T2 glottic cancer with a CO2 laser: 2-year survival analysis of 36 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To report our 2-year survival outcomes for early glottic carcinoma using microsurgical resection with the CO2 laser.


METHODS
A prospective study.


METHODS
Outcomes from a cohort of 36 patients with glottic cancer staged Cis-T2 (7 Cis, 17 T1, 12 T2) who underwent endoscopic resection using a CO2 laser between January 2002 and June 2005 were studied. The mean follow-up was 27 months (range 0-54 months). All follow-ups were performed at our multidisciplinary head and neck oncology clinic at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia.


RESULTS
Using a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, the 2-year recurrence-free survival for the cohort was 89%, with a standard error of 6.7%. At the time of the study, no patient had died of laryngeal cancer, one patient had died of other disease, and one patient was lost to follow-up. There had been three recurrences in the cohort, two local recurrences (T1), and one recurrence in a regional lymph node (T2). After salvage, all patients with recurrences were disease free at the time of the study. Of 35 cases with follow-up, 60% had no reported problems with voice on their last visit and 17% reported consistent hoarseness or weakness.


CONCLUSIONS
These results justify the continued treatment of early glottic carcinoma with CO2 laser microsurgery at our centre.
Taylor
S Mark
SM
Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. smtaylorwashu@yahoo.com
Rigby
Matthew H
MH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005931:Glottis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D054020:Lasers, Gas; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome