Laryngofissure and cordectomy for early cordal carcinoma: outcome in 182 patients

At the Mayo Clinic from 1962 to 1974, 182 patients with early squamous cell cancer of the true vocal cord were treated by laryngofissure and cordectomy. Seven patients (4%) had recurrences: four in the larynx and three in the neck (although the larynx was free of disease). The case histories of these patients are reported. Only three (2%) of the patients died as a consequence of their laryngeal cancer. The data substantiate our belief that the laryngofissure and cordectomy operation, and its minor variations, is an expeditious and highly successful means of eradicating glottic cancers.