RECURRENCE AFTER DIFFERENT PRIMARY-TREATMENT FOR CANCER OF THE SUPRAGLOTTIC LARYNX

Retrospective analysis of patient records at two hospitals was perform ed with the principal goal of clarifying the role of primary radiother apy in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic laryn x. Primary surgery was frequently performed during the first period fr om 1958 to 1978. Primary radiotherapy with surgery in reserve was the prevailing therapy during the second period from 1978 to 1993. Fewer r ecurrences were observed during the second period. The improved result s were apparent mainly in patients with the more advanced stages (III. T4N0 and T4N1). Analysis of many factors suggest that the more freque nt choice of primary radiotherapy with surgery in reserve, or applied as preoperative treatment. with optimal dosage and technique, might ha ve contributed to the improved results.