Quality of life and voice in patients after laser cordectomy for T IS and T1 glottic carcinomas

Background. Laser cordectomy is gaining popularity for treatment of early glottic carcinoma, but little is known about vocal and quality of life (QOL) outcomes as a function of extent of resection. We prospectively examined QOL and vocal function of patients with carcinoma in situ (Tis) or T1 glottic carcinomas after laser cordectomy. Methods. Patients ( n = 75) were grouped into those who underwent unilateral subepithelial or subligamental resection (group A, n = 45); those who underwent unilateral transmuscular or total cordectomy (group B, n = 17); and those who underwent extended or bilateral cordectomy including the anterior commissure (group C, n = 19). The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer head and neck cancer specific module (QLQ‐H&N35), voice handicap index (VHI), and objective vocal function were examined before and 1 year after cordectomy and compared among the groups. Results. No major complications were encountered, but local recurrence occurred in 10 patients, with group C showing the highest rate (6/19, 31.6%). Patient‐reported speech and social contact scores of QOL questionnaire and VHI scores after surgery were higher in groups B and C than in group A ( p < .05). The scores and perceptual and acoustic data were generally improved in all groups after surgery, but were statistically significant only in group A ( p < .03). Conclusion. Our data suggest that early glottic cancers with a limited extent and infiltration depth have improved outcomes, both oncologically and functionally, compared to those lesions requiring extensive laser resection. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2007