Voice quality remains the issue often used to support preference for radiot
herapy in treatment of early glottic cancer, We therefore conducted a perce
ptual voice study in 2 groups, one treated with radiotherapy for malignant
disease and the other with narrow-margin laser cordectomy for either malign
ant or extensive benign lesions. Sequential patients, 12 treated with radio
therapy and 30 with CO2 laser excision, were included. Voice samples were r
ecorded before and at intervals after surgery. Ratings of validated judges
were used for statistical analysis of various voice characteristics at each
time point. Voice deteriorated temporarily after surgery as compared with
the radiated group; however, at 6 and 24 months no significant differences
were found between the groups. Preferential use of narrow-margin laser cord
ectomy for appropriate early glottic tumors can be supported not only for o
ncologic reasons but also on the basis of voice results, cost, and efficien
cy considerations.