T1 and T2 hypopharyngeal cancer treatment with laser microsurgery.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the oncologic results and functional outcomes of CO(2) laser microsurgery in T1 and T2 hypopharyngeal cancer.


METHODS
The files of 119 T1 and T2 hypopharyngeal carcinoma cases primarily managed with laser surgery were reviewed. Cases were assessed for 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) as well as local control (LC) rates, with respect to T and N classification, status of surgical margins, and decision on neck management and adjuvant therapy. Cases were additionally evaluated for incidence of major complications and retention of laryngeal and pharyngeal function.


RESULTS
DSS and LC rates of 72.6% and 85.4%, respectively, were noted overall in this series. Survival rates were found to be significantly better for cases with negative surgical margins. The presence of regional metastases was also found to significantly affect prognosis. Satisfactory retention of function and a low rate of major complications were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Laser surgery appears to be very effective for T1 and T2 hypopharyngeal cancer treatment as long as clear surgical margins can be achieved. Oncologic results are acceptable with low incidence of complications and satisfactory retention of function. The neck must always be included in the primary treatment plan of hypopharyngeal lesions.
Karatzanis
Alexander D
AD
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg Medical School, Erlangen, Germany.
Psychogios
George
G
Waldfahrer
Frank
F
Zenk
Johannes
J
Hornung
Joachim
J
Velegrakis
George A
GA
Iro
Heinrich
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008866:Microsurgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002245:Carbon Dioxide