Vocal cord fixation in laryngeal carcinoma

The 1962 TNM classification (T, tumor and extent; N, regional lymph node metastasis, M, distant metastasis) did not emphasize vocal cord fixation in staging. In the revision of 1972, lesions with partial fixation were classified T2, stage II, and those causing fixation were T3, stage III. The therapeutic results in 39 patients with fixed cords revealed a determinante five-year survival of 41% and an absolute of 23%. These statistics support the validity of the 1972 classification. Careful evaluation of vocal cord mobility prior to selection of therapy is stressed.