gms | German Medical Science

Introduction: The author analyzed the role of tobacco and alcohol consumption of 106 patients with early glottic cancer, who underwent endoscopic CO₂ laser cordectomy between 2004 and 2010. Oncological and preliminary functional results of the minimally invasive laser cordectomy are demonstrated.

Methods: The smoking and alcohol consumption habits are also presented in case control studies, which compare the patients with glottic cancer with a control group. Oncological results are analysed and retrospective evaluation of voice outcome was performed, including voice handicap index, telephone questionnaire and voice analysis.

Results: 78% of patients with vocal cord tumors was considered as smoker and 22% was not. In the control group 26% of the patients was found as smoker, but 74% was no smoker. The odds ratio showed that tobacco consumption (OR=10) increased the risk of glottic cancer’s development 10x, alcohol consumption (OR=2,7) 2,7x.

After primary laser excision 81% of the patients were healed, recurrences (19%) were treated: after repeated laser intervention for recurrences the oncological outcome of laser resection was 95% After salvage therapies (hemilaryngectomy, laryngectomy and radiation therapy) the function of larynx and the voice were preserved in 97% of the patients. The postoperative quality of voice was acceptable in 76% of the cases according to the questionnaire for patients. Subjective and objective phoniatric parameters showed correlation with the type of laser cordectomy.

Conclusions: Smoking and alcohol consumption may play remarkable role in the development of vocal cord cancers in our patients too. Good oncological results, quality of life and acceptable phonation can be achieved with endoscopic laser cordectomy.

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