Subglottic cancer

In summary, subglottic tumors are fortunately uncommon. They tend to present late with extensive disease, and are difficult to assess clinically. CT and MRI can be helpful in this regard. They have a tendency for extra laryngeal spread and paratracheal lymph node metastases. Aggressive surgical therapy is therefore recommended. This usually includes a wide field laryngectomy, an adequate low tracheal margin, and bilateral paratracheal lymph node dissection. The thyroid gland should be removed on the ipsilateral side, and if there is evidence of gross invasion of the thyroid gland, total thyroidectomy should be performed. Postoperative radiation therapy is recommended to both sides of the neck, stoma, and upper mediastinum. This will hopefully reduce the risk of stomal recurrence.