T1 and T2 Hypopharyngeal Cancer Treatment With Laser Microsurgery

Background and Objective: To assess the oncologic results and functional outcomes of CO2 laser microsurgery in T1 and T2 hypopharyngeal cancer Methods: The files of 119T1 and T2 hypopharyngeal carcinoma cases primanly manned with laser surgery were reviewed Cases were assessed for 5-year disease-specific survival (05 S) as well as local control (LC) rates. with respect to T and N classification. status of comical margins. and decision on neck management and adjuvant therapy Cases were additionally evaluated for incidence of major complications and retention of laryngeal and pharyngeal function Results: DSS and LC rates of 72 6% and 85 4% respectively, were noted overall in this series Survival rates were found to be significantly better for cases with negative surgical margins The presence of regional metastases was also found to significantly affect prognosis Satisfactory retention of function and a low rate of major complications were noted Conclusion: Laser surgery appears to be very effective for T1 and T2 hypopharyngeal cancer treatment as lone as clear surgical margins can be achieved Oncologic results are acceptable with low incidence of complications and satisfactory retention of function The neck must always be included in the primary treatment plan of hypopharyngeal lesions Surg Oncol 2010, 102 27-33 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.