Microlaryngology: an update on its modern use in laryngology--malignant early and advanced glottic carcinoma

The modern use of microlaryngology is improving the diagnosis and treatment of early and advanced glottic laryngeal lesions. Microlaryngology is a microscopic laryngoscopic technique that is used to carry out laryngeal tumor evaluation and biopsy. For early, small, and advanced laryngeal glottic lesions, a microscope is used to view the larynx through a laryngoscope that is placed transorally. This is a precise method of microsurgery to biopsy and stage early and advanced malignant tumors of the glottic area of the larynx. Recent advances using microscopic visualization, microsurgical instruments, and a CO2 laser as a tool to control bleeding and to debulk the tumors of patients with advanced lesions enable the operating surgeon to visualize accurately the involvement by tumor of the overlying mucosa or the underlying muscles and cartilages in this area and sometimes to restore the airway. Precise knowledge regarding the microscopic locational extent of these tumors is important in developing appropriate options for treatment of early and advanced malignant neoplasms of the glottic area of the larynx in order to cure the disease and save the voice of the patient.