Radiation therapy for early stage carcinoma of the glottic larynx

The results of radiation therapy of 79 patients with early carcinoma of the vocal cord are reported. Nine (13%) of the 69 patients with stage I disease had local recurrence, and two (20%) of the ten patients with stage II disease had local recurrence without local node metastasis. Subsequent control of radiation failure by surgical salvage was 100%. Close follow-up of the patients after radiation therapy and biopsy of suggestive areas are emphasized for early detection of residual or recurrent tumor.