Pathological examination of cordectomy specimens: analysis of negative resection

Objective

Occasionally, after performing a cordectomy to treat a T1 glottic tumor, the pathologist does not detect carcinomatous cells in the surgical specimen. This study determined how often this happens and analyzed these cases to identify related variables.

Methods

Forty-six patients were studied. Data on patient age and gender, tumor T stage and macroscopic surface extension, device used (laser vs. microelectrode dissection (ME)), and presence/absence of a negative cordectomy were compiled. We performed excisional biopsies as a diagnostic procedure.

Results

Tumor stage was carcinoma in situ (Cis; 11 cases), T1a (28 cases), or T1b (7 cases). Nineteen tumors were limited, and 27 were extensive. Twenty-one patients underwent laser surgery, and 25 had ME. There were 12, 21, 4, and 9 types II to V cordectomies, respectively. The pathologist reported 15 negative cordectomies (32.6%). Only tumor extension was significantly associated with a negative cordectomy (p = 0.047).

Conclusion

In 32.6% of our cases, the excisional biopsy was diagnostic and therapeutic. This percentage rose to 52.6% in the cases of limited tumors. We recommend performing an excisional biopsy and limited resection of the surgical bed with ME or laser surgery. A pathologist can examine the margins to determine whether the resection should be extended. When choosing radiotherapy, it is better to first perform an incisional biopsy to obtain a diagnosis of carcinoma.