Endoscopic management of selected early vocal cord carcinoma

Twenty-five previously untreated patients with selected early midcordal squamous cell carcinomas have been treated by endoscopic excisional biopsy with the carbon dioxide laser and followed for a minimum of 3 years. Twenty-four of the 25 patients are alive and free of disease, and one patient died of local and regional recurrence 2 years after attempted endoscopic excision followed by partial laryngectomy. Indications, contraindications, advantages, and complications associated with this treatment option for patients with early glottic carcinoma are discussed.