Partial laryngectomy in supraglottic pharyngeal tumors

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• The laryngopharyngeal wall, shared by the larynx and pharynx, is a common site for epidermoid carcinomas.
• Alcohol consumption is a significant risk factor for these tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the indications, contraindications, technical errors, and surgical techniques for supracricoid hemilaryngopharyngectomy and horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy.
• To describe oncologic and functional outcomes for these procedures.

Main Methods:

• Description of supracricoid hemilaryngopharyngectomy technique.
• Description of horizontal supraglottic laryngectomy technique.
• Discussion of cervical lymph node dissection in conjunction with these procedures.

Main Results:

• Tumors in this region are often bulky but respect laryngeal function and mobility.
• Occult nodal metastasis can occur in up to 45% of cases.
• Lymph node metastases do not preclude these surgical techniques.

Conclusions:

• These surgical techniques achieve adequate cancer control while preserving swallowing, speech, and ventilation.
• Cervical lymph node dissection (levels II-IV) is recommended due to high lymphophilia.
• The described procedures are valuable for managing tumors in the supraglottic and hypopharyngeal regions.