Results of transoral laser microsurgery in 102 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil

The objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in the treatment of squamous cell cancer of the tonsil and to report the oncological and functional outcomes, using retrospective chart review in the setting of single-institute, academic tertiary referral center. Between October 1987 and December 2006, 102 patients were eligible for this study, mostly suffering from advanced disease: 13 % presented with stage I and II (UICC/AJCC 2002) tumors and 87 % with stages III and IVa. The median follow-up was 63 months. All patients were treated by TLM with (or without) neck dissection (95 %) and with (66 %) postoperative radiotherapy. Overall survival, recurrence-free survival, disease-free survival, local control and loco-regional control were analyzed as end points. Rate of tracheotomies, postoperative complications and swallowing function were also analyzed. 5-year Kaplan–Meier local and loco-regional control was 78 % for pT1 and pT2 and 75 % for pT3 and pT4a tumors. 5-year Kaplan–Meier disease-free survival, recurrence-free survival, and overall survival and was 74, 64 and 59 % for stage I and II, 68, 60 and 56 % for stage III and IVa, respectively. Our data supports the conclusion, that TLM should be considered as a therapeutic option for the treatment of cancer of the tonsil. The oncological and functional results are comparable to any other treatment regimen, while the morbidity and complications tend to be lower.     

Results of transoral laser microsurgery for supraglottic carcinoma in 277 patients

The objective of the study was to evaluate the oncological and functional results of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in patients with supraglottic laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Between June 1980 and December 2006, 277 patients with squamous cell supraglottic carcinoma of all stages were treated by primary carbon dioxide laser microsurgery. All treatments were performed with curative intention. The goal was the complete tumor removal with preservation of functionally important structures of the larynx. The administered treatment was exclusively TLM with or without selective or modified radical neck dissection in 215 cases (78 %); TLM with postoperative radiotherapy was performed in 62 cases (22 %). Data were analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. The median follow-up was 65 months. We achieved a 5-year local control rate of 85 % for pT1/pT2, 82 % for pT3, and 76 % for pT4. The 5-year overall, recurrence-free and disease-specific survival rates for stages I and II were 76, 81, and 92 %, for stages III and IVa 59, 65, and 81 %, respectively. With respect to local control and survival, these results are comparable with the results achieved by conventional partial and total resection of the larynx, while being superior to primary (chemo)radiotherapy. Transoral laser microsurgery results in a low morbidity, rapid recovery, and superior function compared with standard therapy.     

Transoral laser microsurgery as standard approach to hypopharyngeal cancer. Survival analysis in a hospital based population

Objective

Cancer of the hypopharynx remains one of the most challenging chapters in head and neck oncology. The objective of this study is to ascertain the relevance of a transoral laser approach as a valid functional option for treatment of cancer of the hypopharynx in Portugal, and additionally, to confirm the reproducibility of survival and functional outcomes described in other reference centers.

Resultados de la radioterapia en los carcinomas de orofaringe

ObjectiveTo present the results of radiotherapy treatment in patients with oropharyngeal carcinomas.Material and methodsRetrospective study of a cohort of 359 patients treated with radiotherapy, including chemo- and bio-radiotherapy, during the period 2000-2019. Information on human papillomavirus (HPV) status was available for 202 patients, of whom 26.2% were HPV-positive.ResultsFive-year local recurrence-free survival was 73.5% (95% CI: 68.8-78.2%). The variables that were related to local disease control in a multivariate study were the local tumor extension category and the HPV status. Five-year local recurrence-free survival for patients with cT1 tumors was 90.0%, for cT2 88.0%, for cT3 70.6%, and for cT4 42.3%. Five-year local recurrence-free survival for HPV-negative tumors was 67.2% and for HPV-positive tumors 93.3%. Five-year specific-disease survival was 64.4% (95% CI: 59.1-69.7%). Variables that were related to specific survival in a multivariate study were the patient's general condition, local and regional extent of the tumor, and HPV status.ConclusionsFive-year local recurrence-free survival of patients with oropharyngeal carcinomas treated with radiotherapy was 73.5%. Variables that were related to local control were local tumor extension and HPV status.     

Analysis of recurrence and survival after hypopharyngeal ablative surgery with radial forearm free flap reconstruction

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To address the controversial acceptable distal resection margin for the surgical management of patients with hypopharyngeal cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of the records of 28 consecutive patients who underwent pharyngoesophagectomy and reconstruction with radial forearm free flaps between 1996 to 2001. METHODS: The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival and recurrence-free time. RESULTS: The minimum follow-up time was 2 years, and there were 14 (50%) patients who had recurrences. Analysis revealed that only one (3%) patient experienced a recurrence at the inferior resection margin, the junction of the free flap reconstruction, and the cervical esophagus. Estimated 4 year survival was 48.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Total laryngopharyngectomy and partial esophagectomy with radial forearm free flap reconstructions in appropriately selected patients with hypopharyngeal cancer does not compromise local recurrence rates at the distal esophageal margin.     

下咽癌颈淋巴转移相关因素的研究

目的研究下咽癌颈淋巴转移的特点、规律及对预后的影响。方法收集1985-2000年住院治疗下咽癌患者108例，均经手术治疗，且术前未行放疗和化疗。根据1992年国际抗癌联合会（UICC）分期标准进行分期分级。手术后将下咽癌及颈淋巴结标本进行病理观察，确定肿瘤主体所在原发部位及发生转移的颈淋巴结分布区域。按照病理学将肿瘤的病理分化程度确定为高、中、低分化。通过颈淋巴结病理检查和随访观察确定颈淋巴转移情况，用Kaplan-Meier方法对3、5年生存率进行非参数分析。结果病例中T1、T2淋巴结转移率为45．8％，T3、T4淋巴结转移率为79．8％，总的淋巴结转移率为75．0％（81／108），（P〈0．05）。梨状窝癌为100例，占全部病例的92．6％（100／108），梨状窝及下咽后壁癌的颈淋巴转移率分别为74．0％和87．5％（P〉0．05）。病理高、中、低分化型3组，其颈淋巴转移率分别为72．2％、67．6％、85．7％（P〉0．05）。患者3、5年累积生存率分为67．53％及29．87％。Ⅱ、Ⅲ区颈淋巴转移率为76．5％，Ⅴ、Ⅵ区颈淋巴转移率为8．6％。结论下咽癌颈淋巴转移率高。下咽癌颈淋巴转移是影响下咽癌的预后主要因素，随着颈淋巴转移程度的增加，患者3、5年生存率逐渐降低。     

Results of treatment in patients with paranasal sinus carcinoma. Analysis of prognostic factors

Analysis was based on the results of successful and unsuccessful treatment of 137 patients with paranasal sinus cancer at the Oncology Centre in Warsaw between 1987-2002. Patients with clinical stages T3 and T4 constituted 87% of cases (110 patients). Radical treatment was performed on 84 patients. Five-year overall survival in 137 cases amounted to 27%; and survival without recurrence was 24%. Five-year overall and recurrence-free survial among patients treated with surgery and radiotherapy were 36% and 32% retrospectively. Multivariate analysis of 61 patients with complete data, who were treated with radical surgery and radiotherapy, emphasized the influence of prognostic factors on survival. A worse prognosis correlated with advanced locoregional T and N stage. It is evident that total dose greater than 6000 cGy had a clear impact on the results of treatment. It was also shown that planning with the manually and hand-measured isodoses impacted negatively on the survival in comparison with 2D and 3D planning. Analysis of recurrence-free survival showed that metastatis to the lymph nodes, and a manually-planned treatment method, had a negative impact on the results of treatment. It is asserted that local recurrences are the main cause of failure in cases treated with surgery and radiotherapy.     

Organ preservation in T4a laryngeal cancer: is transoral laser microsurgery an option?

The main objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in the treatment of T4a laryngeal cancer and to report the oncological and functional outcomes. This is a retrospective case-series study, held in a single-institute, academic tertiary referral center. Seventy-nine patients with previously untreated T4a glottic (n = 31, 39 %) or supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma (n = 48, 61 %) were included in this study. Five patients (6 %) were treated exclusively by TLM, 16 (20 %) had TLM and unilateral neck dissection, 27 (35 %) had TLM and bilateral neck dissection. Adjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy was additionally administered in 26 (33 %) cases following TLM and neck dissection, and in 5 (6 %) cases after TLM without neck dissection. The main outcome measures included organ preservation, local control, functional outcome, overall, recurrence-free, and disease-specific survival. The median follow-up period was 49 months, 5 year organ preservation rate and local control rate were 80.0 and 67.2 %, 5 year overall, recurrence-free and disease-specific survival were 55.8, 61.9 and 71.8 %. The 5 year overall survival rates were 62.5 % in pN0 cases and 57.2 % in cases with pN-positive neck disease. With respect to survival, these results are comparable to total laryngectomy, while being superior to primary (chemo)radiotherapy. TLM results in a low morbidity, rapid recovery and good function and can be a valid option for organ preserving surgery of pT4a glottic and supraglottic cancer.     

Pacientes con carcinoma localmente avanzado de hipofaringe. Resultados a lo largo de un periodo de 30 años

Introduction and objectivesThe treatment of locally advanced carcinomas of the hypopharynx may include surgery or several combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy as organ preservation strategies. The objective of the present study is to analyze the results of locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated in a single centre over a 30-year period.MethodsRetrospective chart review of 278 patients with T3-T4 hypopharyngeal carcinomas treated between 1985 and 2015 at a tertiary institution.ResultsAs much as 15.5% of the patients received only palliative treatment. Surgery, usually followed by radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy was offered to 38.1% of the patients, and radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy alone was offered to the remaining 46.6% of the patients. Cause-specific survival at 5 years was 39.7% (95% CI 33.7-45.7) for the whole sample. Surgery achieved better local control of the disease, but these figures did not translate into an increase of cause-specific survival for T3 tumours. Five-year survival free of laryngeal dysfunction for patients who received conservative treatment was 36.4%. In a multivariate analysis, only T4 local extension, N2-3 category, and posterior hypopharyngeal wall location related significantly with cause-specific survival.ConclusionsThere were no significant differences in cause-specific survival related to treatment modality for T3 carcinomas. On the other hand, surgery achieved a significant increase in cause-specific survival for T4 hypopharyngeal carcinomas.     

Carcinoma of the tongue base treated by transoral laser microsurgery, part two: Persistent, recurrent and second primary tumors

OBJECTIVES: To report the oncologic and functional outcomes of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in the treatment of persistent, recurrent, and second primary squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue base. STUDY DESIGN: A two-center prospective case series analysis. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with persistent, recurrent, or second primary squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue base were treated with TLM between 1997 and 2005. Four (16%) patients with persistent disease at the primary site were considered TX. Eleven (44%) patients with recurrent disease were pathologically staged rT1 3/11, rT2 2/11, rT3 4/11, T4 1/11, and TX 1/11. Ten (40%) patients with second primary tumors were staged pT1, 4/10; pT2, 3/10; pT3, 2/10; and pT4, 1/10. Eight (32%) patients underwent neck dissection. Three (12%) patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Pre- and post-treatment organ function was assessed using a clinical Functional Outcome Swallowing Scale (FOSS) and Communication Scale. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 26 months. The 2-year Kaplan-Meier local control and locoregional control estimate was 69%. For those patients presenting with persistent/recurrent or second primary disease, the 2 year local control estimates were 75% and 68%, respectively. For all patients, the respective 2 and 5 year overall survival estimates were 54% and 26%. Two (8%) patients suffered postoperative hemorrhage. The average duration of hospitalization was 3.6 days. The median pretreatment and posttreatment FOSS stage was stage 2 and stage 3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Transoral laser surgery is a rational and effective treatment in appropriately selected patients with persistent, recurrent, or second primary tongue base cancer. The low morbidity and mortality and shortened duration of hospitalization associated with TLM make it an attractive therapeutic alternative.     

Transoral laser microsurgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of transoral laser microsurgery for base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma. DESIGN: Retrospective unicenter study of the oncologic and functional results of laser microsurgery of tongue base carcinoma performed between 1986 and 1997. SETTINGS: University hospital department. PATIENTS: We reviewed 48 previously untreated patients with base of tongue squamous cell carcinoma, who were treated with transoral laser microsurgery. Distribution of the T categories were T1, 2%; T2, 25%; T3, 15%; and T4, 58%; 94% belonged to the stages III and IVa. Selective neck dissection was performed in 43 patients; 23 patients underwent postoperative radiotherapy with or without simultaneous chemotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Local control rate, recurrence-free and overall survival rates, mean performance status scale scores for normalcy of diet and understandability of speech. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier 5-year local control rate was 85%. There was no local recurrence in T1 and T2 lesions, but there was a 20% local recurrence rate in T3 and T4 tumors. Kaplan-Meier 5-year recurrence-free and overall survival rates were 73% and 52%, respectively. Mean performance status scale scores were 92% for normalcy of diet and 88% for understandability of speech. Twenty-one patients survived at least 5 years after treatment. They have a preserved larynx and live without tracheostoma or gastrostomy tube. CONCLUSIONS: Our concept of organ and function preserving laser microsurgery for selected patients with base of tongue cancer seems to be justified considering the achieved oncological and functional results. Final proof of the effectiveness of the new therapeutic concept presented herein requires well-designed prospective studies.     

Functional and oncological results of non-surgical vs surgical treatment in squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx are aggressive tumours usually diagnosed at advanced stage. Their optimal treatment has not been established. The aim of this study was to compare the oncological and functional outcomes in patients with carcinomas of the oropharynx treated by radiotherapy (with chemotherapy in advanced stages) vs surgery (with radiotherapy in advanced stages). METHODS: A retrospective study on 50 patients with squamous cell cancer of the oropharynx treated by radiotherapy (with or without chemotherapy) at our institution between 1998 and 2008 was carried out. The oncological and functional results were compared with patients with same cancer location and stage treated by surgery (with or without radiotherapy). In both groups, the patients were classified as follows: 10% Stage I, 12% Stage II, 16% Stage III, 48% Stage IVa and 14% Stage IVb. RESULTS: The 5-year disease-specific survival was 33% in the radiotherapy group and 52% in the surgical group (P=.17). Five-year disease-specific survival for Stage I and II patients was 82% in the radiotherapy group and 70% in the surgical group. In Stage III and IV disease, 5-year disease-specific survival was higher in the surgical group (47% vs 17%). The functional results were similar; anatomical and functional preservation of the larynx was higher in the radiotherapy group but the successful return to oral food intake was higher in the surgical group. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx is poor. Oncological results in Stages I and II were similar for radiotherapy and surgical treatments. In advanced stages, the prognosis was better in patients treated by surgery with or without radiotherapy. Functional results were similar in both treatment modalities.     

External beam irradiation alone or combined with neck dissection for base of tongue carcinoma: An alternative to primary surgery

From 1964 to 1990, 134 patients were treated at the University of Florida with continuous-course external beam irradiation, alone or followed by a planned neck dissection, for T1 (n = 17), T2 (n = 47), T3 (n = 49), or T4 (n = 21) carcinoma of the base of tongue. The 5-year rate of local control was 90% for stage T1, 92% for T2, 73% for T3, and 35% for T4. Probability of control above the clavicles at 5 years according to modified American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage was 100% for stages I and II, 75% for stage III, 84% for stage IVa, and 52% for stage IVb. Probability of relapse-free survival at 5 years was 100% for stages I and II, 68% for stage III, 81% for stage IVa, and 37% for stage IVb. Severe complications occurred in 2% of patients. Compared with surgical resection of the primary tumor, external beam radiotherapy results in similar rates of local control and survival with a lower risk of severe complications.     

Survival Benefits From Surgery for Stage IVa Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Multi-institutional Analysis of 1,033 Cases

ObjectivesHead and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCs) are frequently diagnosed at the locoregional advanced stage (stage IVa), but controversy remains regarding whether stage IVa HSNCs should be treated with upfront surgery or definitive chemoradiation therapy (CRT). The purpose of this study was to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with stage IVa HNSC treated primarily by surgery with curative intent with/without (neo)adjuvant treatment (surgery group) versus those treated primarily with CRT (CRT group).MethodsWe reviewed data of 1,033 patients with stage IVa HNSC treated with curative intent at 17 cancer centers between 2010 and 2016.ResultsAmong 1,033 patients, 765 (74.1%) received upfront surgery and 268 (25.9%) received CRT. The 5-year OS and DFS rates were 64.4% and 62.0% in the surgery group and 49.5% and 45.4% in the CRT group, respectively. In multivariate analyses, OS and DFS were better in the surgery group than in the CRT group (odds ratio [OR] for death, 0.762; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.592–0.981; OR for recurrence, 0.628; 95% CI, 0.492–0.802). In subgroup analyses, the OS and DFS of patients with oropharyngeal cancer were better in the surgery group (OR for death, 0.548; 95% CI, 0.341–0.879; OR for recurrence, 0.598; 95% CI, 0.377–0.948). In the surgery group, patients with laryngeal cancer showed better OS (OR for death, 0.432; 95% CI, 0.211–0.882), while those with hypopharyngeal cancer DFS was improved (OR for recurrence, 0.506; 95% CI, 0.328–0.780).ConclusionA survival benefit from surgery may be achieved even in patients with stage IVa HNSC, particularly those with oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer. Surgery led to a reduction in the recurrence rate in patients with hypopharyngeal cancer.     

Endonasal micro-endoscopic tumor surgery: state of the art

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to establish the efficacy of endonasal micro-endoscopic surgery for removal of benign and malignant neoplastic lesions of the paranasal sinuses and the anterior skull base. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 350 patients with tumors of the paranasal sinuses and the anterior skull base (215 benign and 135 malignant tumors) that were treated surgically at the ENT-Department of the Hospital Fulda gAG between 1993 and 2003. Median follow-up was 65 months. RESULTS: Most frequent entities of benign tumors were osteomas, inverted papillomas and juvenile angiofibromas. Adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas and esthesioneuroblastomas were most frequently treated in the group of malignomas. 54 % of the benign (n = 118) and 41 % of the malignant tumors (n = 54) were resected exclusively via the endonasal micro-endoscopic approach. Within the follow-up period 3 recurrencies were observed, two inverted papillomas (one was operated endonasally) and one juvenile angiofibroma. In the malignoma group 34 patients died because of tumor disease (16 cases due to recurrencies, 18 cases due to metastases formation). The 5 year survival rate was 66.4 % with respect to the disease-specific survival. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed statistically significant differences for the pT stage: pT2 and pT3 tumors have had a 5-year disease-specific survival of 92.3 % and 83.8 %, respectively, compared to 61.5 % of the pT4 tumors. Disease-specific survival also showed differences dependent on histology, tumor site and occurrence, but was without proven significancy. In the patient subgroup who suffered from adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma or esthesioneuroblastoma the 5-year disease-specific survival was 78.4 % of 29 patients after endonasal resection compared to 66.4 % in 51 patients operated via an external approach. CONCLUSION: The advances in endonasal micro-endoscopic surgery also allow a safe and effective removal of benign and malignant anterior skull base tumors with low morbidity. Thereby, indication is dependent on tumor site and size as well as histology.     

Survival and staging characteristics for non-squamous cell malignancies of the maxillary sinus

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the clinical behavior of non-squamous cell cancer of the maxillary sinus. METHODS: Cases of non-squamous cell maxillary sinus malignancy during 1988 through 1998 were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Data for histologic type of tumor, tumor stage, and survival were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method to determine mean, median, and 5-year survival statistics for the overall cohort and for individual histologic types of tumor. The effect of tumor stage on overall survival was assessed. To determine relative survival, the non-squamous cell group was compared with a second group of patients with squamous cell carcinoma, matched according to age at diagnosis, year of diagnosis, and T stage. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-eight cases of non-squamous cell malignancy were identified. The mean patient age was 57.8 years, and 143 patients (76%) presented with T3 or T4 tumors. There were 31 adenocarcinomas, 64 adenoid cystic carcinomas, 15 mucoepidermoid carcinomas, 22 melanomas, 45 sarcomas, and 11 undifferentiated carcinomas. The overall mean survival was 63.4 months, and 5-year survival was 45.6%. Adenoid cystic carcinoma exhibited the best mean survival (79 months), whereas melanoma and undifferentiated carcinoma exhibited poor mean survivals (30.3 and 12.8 months, respectively). T stage did not statistically affect overall survival (P =.86). Survival for patients with non-squamous cell cancer was substantially better than survival for the matched group with squamous cell carcinomas (mean survival, 41.5 months; 5-year survival, 27.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with non-squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus typically present with advanced T stage but have significantly better survival than patients with similar-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus. T stage has less effect than histologic type of tumor on prognosis in non-squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus.     

Squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone: results and management.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the management and survival of patients treated for temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis. SETTING: Tertiary care, academic referral center. PATIENTS: Twenty-eight patients underwent primary treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the temporal bone. INTERVENTIONS: The patients were staged using the modified Pittsburgh staging system. Patients underwent a local resection, lateral temporal bone resection, or a subtotal lateral temporal bone resection usually followed by radiotherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The survival rate of patients grouped by tumor size was calculated. RESULTS: Staging revealed 12 pT1, 2 pT2, 4 pT3, and 10 pT4 tumors. The mean follow-up was 34 months (2-132 mo). The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed survival rates at 5 years of 83 and 25% for the stages pT1 and pT4, respectively. The pooled survival curves showed survival rates at 5 years of 85 and 46% for the stages pT1p/T2 and pT3/pT4, respectively. CONCLUSION: Long-term prognosis of the carcinoma of the external auditory canal mainly depends on the stage and primary treatment. Surgery may consist of a lateral temporal bone or subtotal temporal bone resection; in T3 and T4 tumors, resection may be combined with a superficial parotidectomy. If disease is diagnosed in the neck or parotid, then a neck dissection and total parotidectomy may also be performed. Additional radiotherapy should be provided in incompletely resected T1 and all T2 and T3 tumors and part of the T4 tumors. T4 tumors may be treated according to their subclassification based on the anatomic extension.     

Diode laser microsurgery for treatment of Tis and T1 glottic carcinomas

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the oncologic safety of diode laser surgery in the treatment of early glottic carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 45 patients affected by Tis and T1 glottic squamous cell carcinomas and treated endoscopically by diode laser (60 W, 810 nm). The endoscopic resections were graded according to the European Laryngological Society Classification including 5 types of cordectomy. These cases were classified according to the 2002 American Joint Committee on Cancer-International Union Against Cancer (AJCC-UICC) TNM system and included 9 Tis (20%), 31 T1a (68.9%), and 5 T1b (11.1%) glottic carcinomas. The length of follow-up ranged from 24 to 86 months, with an average follow-up period of 36 months. The case study included 39 males (86.7%) and 6 females (13.3%), aged 35 to 81 years, with a mean age of 51 years. RESULTS: There were 5 recurrences (11.1%): 4 local (8.9%), in which 3 were salvaged, and 1 (2.2%) regional. Three patients (6.7%) developed second primary cancers on the controlateral cord after a mean of 18 months. All local recurrences occurred in patients with T1b lesions. Forty patients (88.9%) were alive and disease-free at a median follow-up of 36 months. The overall larynx preservation was 97.6%. The actuarial recurrence-free survival analysis by the Kaplan-Meier method showed a survival of 92.3% at 2 years, 89.2 at 5 years, and 85.6 at 7 years. CONCLUSIONS: Diode laser microsurgery is an oncologically safe, function-preserving modality for the treatment of Tis and T1 glottic carcinomas. This surgical technique provides excellent local control of disease and laryngeal preservation.     

Pathomorphological aspects of transoral resection of hypopharyngeal carcinoma with preservation of the larynx. Patient selection, treatment results

BACKGROUND: In primary surgery of hypopharyngeal cancer, transcervical resection was chosen in order to preserve the larynx. This treatment produces good oncological results but also a high degree of morbidity so that in recent years transoral resection has been recommended. For wider application of this method it is very important to apply clearly defined criteria for selection of patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To define the criteria for selection for transoral microsurgical resection, we analyzed step serial sections of 33 whole organ specimens of hypopharyngeal squamous cell cancer (SCC) after primary radical surgery, mostly carcinoma of the piriform sinus. Criteria concerning the primary and the involvement of the neck nodes were differentiated. Twenty of 84 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer of different stages were treated by transoral resection and delayed neck dissection between 1994 and 1996. Most of the patients were irradiated postoperatively because of neck metastases. The therapeutic results after a minimum period of 24 months follow-up is listed according to Kaplan-Meyer. RESULTS: Three types were defined according to their site, growth, and spread into the larynx: Type I comprises limited exophytic, highly differentiated SCC with a minor tendency for metastasis originating in the upper half of the sinus. These tumors are well suitable for transoral resection. Type II includes tumors spreading superficially without deeper invasion of the larynx, especially of the laryngeal framework. These can be totally resected and the larynx preserved in spite of extended metastasis. Type III, the most frequent type, grows with ulceration and deeply infiltrates into the larynx and the neck. These tumors cannot be resected transorally. Primary radical resection is indicated. Up to 25% of all hypopharyngeal SCC could be treated by transoral resection, mostly with delayed neck dissection and postoperative irradiation. Functional results were excellent in all cases. Eating, voice, and air passage were normal. Oncological results with 80% disease free five-year survival rate were very good. Three patients died because of recurrences in the neck, only one because of a recurrence in the larynx. The rate of patients with a second primary, however, was extremely high (50%). CONCLUSIONS: By strictly following the pathological and clinical criteria for selection, about 25% of the SCC of the hypopharynx can be treated by transoral resection combined with neck dissection and postoperative irradiation with good oncological and excellent functional results, preserving the larynx without endangering the life of the patients.     

Transoral laser microsurgery in advanced carcinomas of larynx and pharynx

Introduction and objectivesThere are several types of treatment for advanced squamous cell carcinomas of the pharynx and larynx. However, both open surgery and chemoradiation protocols have failed to improve control and survival. There is a tendency toward conservative treatment without worsening oncological outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe the effectiveness of organ-preserving CO₂ laser microsurgery for treating advanced carcinomas of the larynx and pharynx.Material and methodA retrospective review of 63 patients undergoing CO₂ laser microsurgery for the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas of the pharynx and larynx in advanced stages (stages III and IV) was performed. Tumour distribution was 14 patients with a tumour at the base of the tongue, 16 with a pyriform sinus tumour, 29 with a supraglottic tumour and 4 with a glottic tumour. Mean follow-up was 51 months.ResultsThirty-five percent of patients (23) had recurrences. The recurrence rate was 28% for base of tongue tumours, 50% for hypopharyngeal tumours, 27% for supraglottic tumours and 75% for glottic tumours. The 5-year disease-specific survival rate was 73.3% for all locations, with a range from 90% for supraglottic tumours up to 50% for glottic tumours. Thirty-four percent of patients had some type of complication after surgery. The most frequent complication was local bleeding (17%).ConclusionTransoral CO₂ laser microsurgery is an alternative for the treatment of carcinomas of the pharynx and larynx in advanced stages. Its oncological results are equivalent to other treatment modalities and its morbidity is lower.