Tumour recurrence or treatment sequelae following radiotherapy for larynx cancer

Differentiating between recurrent carcinoma and significant sequelae of radiotherapy after treatment of laryngeal carcinoma is an uncommon but difficult clinical problem. Head and neck surgeons can be faced with deciding on the necessity for salvage laryngectomy without prior histological confirmation of recurrence. This paper reviews the literature pertaining to this topic to provide a better overall estimate of the risk of recurrence in these cases. Approximately 50% of patients with severe oedema or necrosis following radiotherapy for larynx cancer will have recurrence. Less than 10% of all larynges removed will be histologically negative when persistent or recurrent tumour is suspected clinically or indicated by biopsy following radiotherapy.