Radiation therapy for laryngeal carcinoma in the early stage

Abstract

One hundred five cases of early laryngeal carcinoma were treated with radiation at our clinic during the past 13 years. The five-year survival rate was 95% for stage I cases and 72% for stage II. Five year disease-free rate of the cases treated with 60Co-γ ray was 88%, those with 10 MV-X ray was 62%. The significant difference could be detected. There was no correlation between the prognosis and the field size of radiation. Thirty-three patients relapsed after radiation therapy. Twenty-nine cases (88%) of failure appeared within 3 years. Among the unsuccessful cases, 8 were treated with radiation again, and 2 cases (25%) were cured. Partial laryngectomies were performed for 6 cases, and 2 cases (33%) were cured. Ten cases (67%) of the 15 total laryngectomized cases were recovered. Total laryngectomy is the best choice when a patient relapses.