Publication:

Management of supraglottic tumors using carbon dioxide laser

Laryngeal cancer has a high mortality rate in Mexico and worldwide. Supraglottic cancer, in particular, accounts for many cases, and treatment varies based on the clinical stage of the disease, the medical center’s expertise, and the economic and human resources. A retrospective study was conducted between 2005 and 2023 on 14 patients with supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma. Most patients were male (85%), with an average age of 68.5 years, and the same percentage were smokers. Endoscopic carbon dioxide (CO2) laser resections were performed either alone, with induction chemotherapy, or as a salvage method following chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Laryngeal preservation was achieved in 92% of cases, with only one patient requiring total laryngectomy due to recurrence. Follow-up showed promising results, as most patients remained free of active disease for several years. Although some experienced local and regional recurrences, endoscopic CO2 laser surgery allowed for laryngeal preservation in many cases. Additionally, induction chemotherapy followed by endoscopic surgery also proved effective in advanced stages, yielding favorable oncological and functional outcomes. Endoscopic CO2 laser surgery is a reliable option for preserving the larynx in supraglottic cancer, even in advanced stages. Its oncological outcomes are comparable to those reported in the literature, offering a high rate of organ preservation and favorable long-term functional outcomes.