Clinical versus intra-operative staging of T status in the laryngeal cancer: a comparative study

One hundred cases of proven squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx were analysed regarding their pre and post-surgical staging. Clinical underestimation was picked up in 9 cases of advanced lesions which staged as T3 but intra-operatively found to be T4. Clinical over estimation was not recorded in any of the case. In earlier lesions [T1 and T2] no clinical under or over estimation was recorded. Deep extension of the tumour with involvement of thyroid cartilage and extra-laryngeal structures are the commonest cause of clinical under estimation. We suggest that all T3 lesions must be treated by widefield total laryngectomy