Publication:

Second look, in primary site recurrence or second primary for T1 and T2 glottic cancer treated by CO2 laser

Background Aim was to analyze the impact of second-look surgery in the surveillance of T1 and T2 glottic cancer treated with CO2 laser.

Methods Retrospective review of 98 patients treated between February 2005 and December 2022.

Results Among 98 patients with early glottic cancer (T1/T2), 56 (57%) with suspected recurrence underwent a second-look surgery. Of all patients, 38 (38.77%) recurred 6 months after initial resection, 17 of which (45%) had a lesion in a different site from the primary. Of these 38 patients, 22 (58%) underwent laser surgery once, 12 (32%) underwent laser surgery twice, and 4 (10%) underwent laser surgery on three occasions during follow-up. The 5-year disease-free survival, 5-year survival, and larynx preservation rates were, respectively, 54%, 82%, and 90.8%.

Conclusions Transoral resection is currently the first treatment option for early-stage glottic carcinoma because diagnosis and prompt treatment can be provided on an outpatient basis at the same time.