Residual carcinoma of the larynx

Two hundred forty-nine patients with squamous cell carcinoma seen and treated at Universtiy of Wisconsin Hospitals from 1960-1972 were analyzed as to recurrence rates, with emphasis on specific sites of recurrence, salvage rates, and end results. Each case was carefully staged according to the TNM classification as set forth by the American Joint Committee for Cancer Staging and End Results Reporting (Revised, 1972). Of the cases treated initially with radiation, 58 percent developed recurrences in the larynx, and 5 percent developed surgical lymph node metastases. Of the cases treated initially by surgery, 13 percent demonstrated local recurrences and 15 percent cervical lymph node metastases. Twenty-six of 86 initial therapy failures were salvaged with further treatment, giving a salvage rate of only 29 percent. The overall recurrence free rates, including cases salvaged, were T1, 91 percent; T2, 86 percent; T3, 68 percent; and T4, 44 percent.