Recurrence pattern of glottic cancer patients treated by laser cordectomy: Intent to treat analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Organ preservation treatment for glottic cancers is done with radiotherapy and conservation surgery like laser surgery. Voice outcome and oncological outcome have been found to be equal in both in early cancers. Methodology: A retrospective study with the intent to treat analysis was done to find the feasibility of laser treatment in early glottic cancers during August 2013–2016 at a single center. Results: There were 39 patients with laser cordectomy, of which 29 had malignancy and 10 had dysplasia. Type I to V cordectomies were as per the extension of lesion with frozen control. Four patients had close margin and four had involved margin and seven of these had radiotherapy. Eight had recurrence, of which six were treated with laser, two with radiotherapy. The second recurrence was seen in three of which one had laser surgery, one had open partial laryngectomy, and one had total laryngectomy with radiotherapy. Five-year overall survival was 90% and higher stages were found to have more recurrence (P = 0.05). Conclusion: Laser cordectomy is a feasible option for treatment with favorable oncological outcome in early glottic cancers. Higher stages (T2 and T3) have higher recurrence with laser surgery alone.