Carcinoma of the glottic larynx: the Christchurch experience

to establish the local control and survival rates for glottic laryngeal cancer, and to determine the incidence of second primary cancers after treatment of the original tumour.

a retrospective review of all patients with glottic cancers treated in Christchurch over a five year period, with a minimum follow up of five years.

between 1979 and 1984, 83 patients with laryngeal cancer were treated in Christchurch Hospital. Forty-seven of these patients had cancers of the glottic larynx. Overall, 39 of 45 patients were free of their laryngeal cancer at five years (two were lost to follow up). Eight of 45 developed a second primary cancer, usually lung or oesophagus, and this was invariably fatal.

with multidisciplinary management of head and neck cancers satisfactory control rates can be achieved, but since these patients are usually heavy smokers and drinkers, they are at high risk of developing a second primary cancer. The use of chemopreventative agents is mentioned.