Reconsidering a paradigm: the spread of supraglottic carcinoma to the glottis

This study was performed to evaluate the spread of supraglottic carcinoma to the glottic level. Whole organ sections of total laryngectomy specimens from 37 patients with previously untreated supraglottic carcinomas were reviewed retrospectively. Of the 37 specimens, 20 (54%) were noted to have extension of cancer to the glottic level. A significant relationship was noted between glottic extension and abnormal cord motion (P = .0002). A statistically significant trend was noted for the relationship between inferior extension along the supraglottic mucosa and glottic level extension (P < .0001). Contrary to the prevailing model of the spread of supraglottic carcinoma, in which there is a distinct barrier to spread at the ventricle, this analysis of selected supraglottic carcinomas revealed a continuum of spread from the supraglottic to the glottis.