Supraglottic laryngectomy with postoperative radiation versus primary radiation in the management of supraglottic laryngeal cancer.

Purpose: The purpose of this review was to study the results of horizontal partial laryngectomy (HPL) for supraglottic laryngeal cancer (stages N0 and N+) and the effects and morbidity of postoperative radiation therapy (FIT), especially after bilateral neck dissection, as opposed to primary FIT. Patients and Methods: Of a total of 89 patients, 26 were treated by HPL, 44 by primary RT, and 19 by total laryngectomy (TL). Of the HPL patients, 19 of 26 had neck dissection, 10 were bilateral. Twelve of the patients received postoperative FIT, and 10 of 12 procedures were combined with neck dissection. Results: When comparing the results of HPL and primary FIT, the locoregional control was equivalent for the N0 patients, but HPL showed better results in locoregional control for the N+ patients (P < .0024). Postoperative FIT with or without bilateral neck dissection did not show an increase in postoperative morbidity. Conclusion: Therefore, our data suggest that there should be no hesitation in giving postoperative FIT where indicated, after performing HPL plus unilateral or bilateral neck dissection. Patients that are stage N0 should receive primary RT.