A COMPARISON OF RADIOTHERAPY AND SURGERY AS PRIMARY-TREATMENT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF T(3)N(0)M(0) GLOTTIC TUMORS

Seventy-four patients with Stage T3N0M0 squamous carcinoma of the glot tis were treated initially by either surgery or radiotherapy between 1 980 and 1985. The treatment adopted was determined by consultant prefe rence. The long-term survival in both groups was approximately the sam e. Of 38 patients treated initially by radiotherapy, 25 had local recu rrence. Fifteen of these underwent salvage surgery and 10 died of dise ase. Thirteen patients (33 per cent) retained their larynx. One of the major advantages of treating patients with stage T3N0M0 carcinoma of larynx by radiotherapy initially is that approximately one-third will retain their larynx. Local recurrences can usually be treated readily by salvage surgery.