Resection of selected invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus by means of the lateral pharyngotomy approach: the partial lateral pharyngectomy.

BACKGROUND: Although the lateral pharyngotomy is a well-known surgical procedure, to our knowledge, no published reports have described the results achieved with a lateral pharyngectomy approach in patients with isolated and previously untreated selected invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the lateral wall of the pyriform sinus. METHODS: The medical files and operative charts of 30 patients with an isolated, and previously untreated, squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus, treated for cure by lateral partial pharyngectomy and primary closure, as well as postoperative radiotherapy (n = 22), and preoperative chemotherapy (n = 8), were retrospectively studied. Sixteen tumors were classified as T1 and 14 as T2. All patients but one were followed until death. RESULTS: Three patients (9%) died in the immediate postoperative period (two from medical complications and one from a surgery-related complication). Overall, 29 patients died, resulting in a 77.7%, 40%, 23.3%, and 15% 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year Kaplan-Meier actuarial survival estimate, respectively. Only one patient had a serious postoperative complication develop. All patients were decannulated. No patients required a gastrostomy and/or completion total laryngectomy for functional reasons. Local recurrence occurred in four patients (13%). The 3-and 5-year Kaplan-Meier actuarial local control estimates were 88.5% and 79.6%, respectively. The use of a platin-based induction chemotherapy (p = .05) regimen was the only variable that was significantly statistically related to local recurrence. Overall, a 93.3% laryngeal preservation rate was achieved. CONCLUSION: Partial pharyngectomy by means of the lateral pharyngotomy combined with postoperative radiation therapy is an efficient and function-sparing approach to control selected invasive squamous cell carcinomas of the lateral wall of the pyriform sinus.

Salvage conservation laryngeal surgery after irradiation failure for early laryngeal cancer.

OBJECTIVES: One third of recurrences after radiotherapy for early laryngeal cancer remain localized. Salvage conservation laryngeal surgery, with total laryngectomy held as reserve, is a surgical management option that is arguably underused. The aim of this review is to report the oncologic and functional results of salvage conservation laryngeal surgery, using the external or the endolaryngeal laser approach. STUDY DESIGN: Review article. METHODS: A computerized literature search of the Medline database from 1985 to 2005 was performed using the following search strategy: laryngeal neoplasm/AND salvage therapy/. Studies with a sample size less than 10 and an average follow-up of less than 24 months were excluded from analysis. The oncologic outcome, functional outcome, length of hospitalization, and the frequency of complications were recorded. RESULTS: The average reported local control rate for recurrent early glottic cancer after radiotherapy salvaged by using the external or the endolaryngeal laser approach is 77% and 65%, respectively. The average reported overall local control rate, including cases that subsequently required total laryngectomy, is 90% and 83%, respectively. The endolaryngeal approach when compared with the extralaryngeal approach does have the advantage of reduced complications, lesser requirement for tracheostomy and nasogastric feeding, and shortened hospitalization time. CONCLUSIONS: Conservation laryngeal surgery is a safe and effective treatment for recurrent localized disease after radiotherapy for early stage glottic cancer. Local control may be achieved without the sacrifice of laryngeal function, and total laryngectomy may be held in reserve as the ultimate option for salvage without compromising ultimate survival significantly.

Thyroglossal duct carcinoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this paper is to review the presentation and management of thyroglossal duct carcinoma. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent articles have analyzed the value of preoperative investigation and have addressed some of the controversies in the management of such tumors; in particular, the optimal surgical management of the thyroid gland, as well as optimal management of lymph node metastases, the role of thyroid suppression therapy, and radioactive iodine therapy. SUMMARY: Thyroglossal duct carcinoma is uncommon, occurring in approximately 1% of all thyroglossal duct cysts. It is often diagnosed incidentally after surgical excision. Ninety-four percent of carcinomas are of thyroid origin, with most being papillary in nature, and 6% are of squamous cell origin. Incidentally discovered, well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma of the thyroglossal duct, in the presence of a clinically and radiologically normal thyroid gland, can be managed adequately by the Sistrunk operation. Those patients with more advanced disease require more aggressive treatment. This may include a total thyroidectomy with or without neck dissection in addition to the Sistrunk operation, followed by radioactive iodine therapy and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression. The prognosis is generally excellent with adequately treated disease.