Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 20, 2026
05:25
Identification and Protection of the Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve during Transoral Robotic Thyroidectomy
Published on: October 24, 2025
420
Salvage surgery for recurrent larynx cancer
Ximena Mimica1, Martin Hanson1, Snehal G Patel1
1Department of Surgery, Head and Neck Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
Head & Neck
|August 22, 2019
Summary
Salvage surgery offers acceptable outcomes for recurrent laryngeal cancer patients. Key factors like stage and tumor characteristics impact disease-specific survival.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Surgical Oncology
- Laryngology
Background:
- Recurrent laryngeal cancer presents a significant clinical challenge with high recurrence rates (16-40%) despite treatment advances.
- Effective management strategies for recurrent disease are crucial for improving patient survival outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the oncologic outcomes and survival rates of patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer undergoing salvage surgery.
- To identify prognostic factors associated with disease-specific survival in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 241 recurrent laryngeal cancer patients treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) between 1999 and 2016.
- Analysis of survival outcomes, including 2- and 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS).
- Identification of independent predictors of DSS through statistical analysis.
Main Results:
- The majority of patients (88%) were male, with a median age of 67 years and predominantly primary glottic tumors (71%).
- Salvage surgery, most commonly total laryngectomy (74%), led to 2- and 5-year DSS of 74% and 57%, respectively.
- Advanced stage (cT4) treated non-surgically had 0% 5-year DSS; tumor location, perineural invasion, margin status, and stage were independent predictors of DSS.
Conclusions:
- Salvage surgery provides acceptable oncologic outcomes for patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer.
- Disease-specific survival is significantly influenced by tumor stage, location, perineural invasion, and surgical margins.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Larynx
4.3K
The human larynx, often referred to as the voice box, is an intricate organ located in the neck. It serves as a pathway for air to enter the lungs during respiration and is an essential component of voice production.
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
4.3K
02:18Cancer
53.6K
Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
53.6K
02:12What is Cancer?
14.0K
Cells and tissues must meticulously coordinate their activities for the normal functioning of the human body. Therefore, they exhibit socially responsible behavior - resting, growing, dividing, differentiating, or dying - for the organism’s benefit. Cancer arises when cells divide uncontrollably and invade other tissues or organs.
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of...
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of...
14.0K
02:59Cancer Prevention
7.7K
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
7.7K
02:49Cancer Therapies
9.9K
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
9.9K
01:30Cancer Vaccines
978
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
978