Advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx

Out of 676 patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx in stage III or IV, 673 patients received primary radiotherapy, either alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy. A significantly better survival with loco-regional control was obtained for women than for men. Also, the tumour size was of significant importance, as a better survival with loco-regional control was seen for tumours below 4 cm in largest diameter than for larger tumours. A similar advantage was seen as regards T1 and T2 tumours. There was no difference with regard to the patients' ages, tumour location, node status, or tumour stage III or IV. At 10 years, the crude survival for the total group of stage III and IV patients was 17%, corrected survival 38%.