The Journal of laryngology and otology
-
Early glottic cancer may be treated with primary radiotherapy or transoral laser microsurgery with comparable survival. The choice of therapy therefore depends on patient preference after discussion of risks, benefits and alternatives. ⋯ Survival outcomes following transoral laser microsurgery are comparable to treatment with radiotherapy. Voice impairment is usually mild to moderate following transoral laser microsurgery for early glottic cancer but overall may be greater than in radiotherapy patients. The repeatability of transoral laser microsurgery may result in a lower laryngectomy rate compared with published series using radiotherapy.