Our Summary

This study compares two methods of treating a type of throat cancer called glottic carcinoma: partial laryngectomy (a surgical procedure to remove part of the voice box) and external radiotherapy (using radiation to kill cancer cells). Over a ten-year period, researchers observed 62 patients, some of whom underwent partial laryngectomy and some of whom underwent external radiotherapy. The study found that both treatments were equally effective at preventing cancer from spreading or reoccurring, and had similar rates of severe complications. The researchers concluded that despite some opinions to the contrary, partial laryngectomy is still a valid and cost-effective treatment option for glottic carcinoma.

FAQs

  1. What are the two methods of treating glottic carcinoma mentioned in the study?
  2. What was the conclusion of the study regarding the effectiveness of partial laryngectomy and external radiotherapy?
  3. Did the study find any differences in complication rates between the two treatment methods?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about laryngectomy is to follow a speech therapy program to learn how to speak again using alternative methods such as esophageal speech or a voice prosthesis. This can help improve communication and quality of life after the surgery. Additionally, it is important to attend regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team to monitor for any potential complications or recurrence of cancer.

Suitable For

Patients with glottic carcinoma who are recommended for laryngectomy are typically those who:

  • Have cancer that is localized to the larynx (voice box)
  • Have not responded well to other treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy
  • Have a tumor that is too large or in a location that cannot be effectively treated with other methods
  • Have recurrent or persistent cancer despite previous treatments
  • Have a cancer that is causing severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Have a cancer that is likely to spread to other parts of the body if not removed

It is important for patients to discuss their treatment options with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before laryngectomy:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with glottic carcinoma, a type of throat cancer.
  2. Patient undergoes various tests and consultations to determine the best treatment plan.
  3. Patient may undergo chemotherapy or radiation therapy to shrink the tumor before surgery.
  4. Patient undergoes partial laryngectomy surgery to remove part of the voice box.

After laryngectomy:

  1. Patient recovers in the hospital for a period of time, typically a few days to a week.
  2. Patient may experience difficulty breathing, speaking, and swallowing initially.
  3. Patient undergoes speech therapy to learn how to communicate without a voice box.
  4. Patient may need to use a stoma (opening in the neck) to breathe.
  5. Patient may experience changes in their appearance and self-image.
  6. Patient attends regular follow-up appointments to monitor for cancer recurrence or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential benefits and risks of a laryngectomy compared to other treatment options for my specific case of glottic carcinoma?
  2. How will a laryngectomy affect my ability to speak, breathe, and swallow?
  3. What is the recovery process like after a laryngectomy, and what kind of long-term care will I need?
  4. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider in addition to or instead of a laryngectomy?
  5. How often will I need to follow up with my doctor after a laryngectomy, and what kind of monitoring or surveillance will be necessary?
  6. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or adjustments that I will need to make after a laryngectomy?
  7. What support services or resources are available to help me cope with the physical and emotional challenges of living without a voice box?
  8. How will a laryngectomy impact my overall quality of life, including my ability to work, socialize, and engage in everyday activities?
  9. Are there any ongoing clinical trials or research studies that I may be eligible to participate in to explore new treatments or advancements in laryngectomy surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with more information about your experience and success rates with performing laryngectomies for patients with glottic carcinoma?

Reference

Authors: Graciano AJ, Sonagli M, da Silva AG, Fischer CA, Chone CT. Journal: Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2016 May-Jun;82(3):275-80. doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2015.05.011. Epub 2015 Oct 19. PMID: 26614047