Quality of life and voice outcome of patients treated with transoral CO2 laser microsurgery for early glottic carcinoma (T1-T2): a 2-year follow-up study.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Longitudinal studies in laryngeal cancer can provide clinicians information about short-term and long-term functional outcomes, like quality of life (QoL) and voice outcome. This information is important when counseling patients or choosing a primary treatment modality. The present study assessed long-term (2 years) QoL and voice outcome in patients with extended T1 and limited T2 glottic carcinoma treated with transoral CO2 laser microsurgery (TLM) (unilateral type III or bilateral type II resections).

METHODS:

Three questionnaires were administered: the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QoL questionnaire (QLQ)-C30, the EORTC QLQ-HN35. A perceptual voice evaluation at six different time points was conducted: preoperatively, and postoperatively at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. Fluctuations over time were investigated.

RESULTS:

Sixty-one patients were included in the analysis. Patients reported high-level functioning and low symptom scores 2 years postoperatively. Gender significantly affected the VHI scores at 2 years (mean VHI scores: female 8.7 vs. male, 23.9; p = 0.023). The major improvement in VHI scores was observed within the first 6 months. The tumor stage (T1a, T1b, and T2) significantly impacted the grade (mean scores at 2 years: 1.0, 1.9, and 1.7; p = 0.001). These scores stabilized at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients show good long-term QoL with low symptom scores, a low voice handicap, and mild to moderate dysphonia, 2 years postoperatively. Scores stabilize at 6 months and provide a clear indication of status at 1 and 2 years.

• Authors: Martine Hendriksma, Yda van Loon, W Martin C Klop, Marieke M Hakkesteegt, Bas J Heijnen, Ibtissam El Hasnaoui, Martin de Jong, Ton P M Langeveld, Peter Paul G van Benthem, Robert J Baatenburg de Jong, Elisabeth V Sjögren
• Journal: European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol) Vol. 276 Issue 3 Pg. 805-814 (Mar 2019) ISSN: 1434-4726 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 30810819 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Carcinoma (pathology, surgery)
• Dysphonia (etiology)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Glottis
• Humans
• Laryngeal Neoplasms (pathology, surgery)
• Laser Therapy (adverse effects, methods)
• Male
• Microsurgery (adverse effects, methods)
• Middle Aged
• Postoperative Complications (etiology)
• Quality of Life
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome
• Voice
• Voice Quality