Abstract
Since 1989 we have been employing a team practice in treating patients with head and neck cancer. The team for laryngeal cancer consists of otolaryngologists and radiologists and that for hypopharyngeal cancer consists of otolaryngologists, radiologists, plastic surgeons and gastrointestinal surgeons. The team members see patients and examine test results together, determine treatment plans together, and conduct surgeries and follow-ups together.
A total of 187 patients with laryngeal cancer have been treated by our team during the past six years. Of these 187, 146 had glottic and 41 had supraglottic lesions. The 5-year survival rate was 82.7 percent for all patients, and the disease-specific 5-year survival rate was 96.7 percent. Thirty-two patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer were treated with laryngo-pharyngoesophagectomy, bilateral neck and paratracheal dissection and thyroidectomy followed by reconstruction with the use of a free jejunum graft. Postoperative radiotherapy was employed. The 5-year survival rate was 54.4 percent for all cases and the disease specific 5-year survival rate was 67.5 percent.
