2025 Volume 37 Issue 1 Pages 1-4
Laryngeal cancer accounts for less than 1% of all malignancies globally ; however, it is commonly encountered by otolaryngologists and head and neck surgeons. Despite advances in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, surgery continues to play a central role in the treatment. Surgical management of laryngeal cancer, ranging from total and partial laryngectomies to transoral approaches, has evolved significantly over more than two centuries. This evolution began with the first laryngotomy in 1788 and culminated in the first total laryngectomy performed by Theodor Billroth in 1873. Over time, functional preservation techniques have emerged, including vertical and horizontal partial laryngectomies and supracricoid laryngectomy, and have improved oncological outcomes while maintaining voice and swallowing functions. The advent of transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) and transoral robotic surgery (TORS) has further refined the treatment, particularly for early stage tumors. Although TLM remains the gold standard for early glottic cancer, the use of TORS is expanding, especially for supraglottic lesions. However, its role in vocal cord surgery and in advanced cases remains unclear. Understanding the historical and technical progress of laryngeal cancer surgery is essential for modern clinicians, as innovations such as robotic surgery continue to shape the future of laryngeal oncology.
