Laryngeal structure following microcauterization

This paper supports and reaffirms the objectives of contemporary laryngology in the treatment of cancer of this organmthese objectives are, first and foremost, the eradication of the tumor, and second, the preservation of function. A relatively recent contribution to the "state of the art" has been the development of the field of microlaryngology. The introduction of the surgical microscope has provided the laryngologist with better means to judge the type, localization and extent of neoplastic lesions. Reports indicate that superficial limited carcinomas of they larynx with good vocal cord mobility can be successfully treated by vocal cord stripping and/or radiotherapy. This paper presents the serious challenge posed by these limited tumors when they recur after radiotherapy. In a selected number of these patients radical surgery has been prevented by treating these recurrent tumors with the microcautery. Some of these patients, so treated, habe been free of disease for more than three years after their recurrent tumors were destroyed with the microcautery. During this time these patients have enjoyed adequate voices.