Supracricoid partial laryngectomy as a primary treatment for carcinosarcoma of the larynx
Luna-Ortiz, K.; Mosqueda-Taylor, A.
Ear Nose and Throat Journal 85(5): 337-341
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0145-5613 PMID: 16771029 Document Number: 595652
Carcinosarcoma of the larynx is uncommon. When it does occur; its clinical features resemble those of sarcomatoid carcinoma, and its biologic behavior is similar to that of malignant mesenchymal neoplasms. We describe 2 cases of carcinosarcoma of the glottis. The tumors were staged as T3N0M0 and T2N0M0. Both patients were treated with supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy. Eight months postoperatively, 1 of the 2 patients experienced a recurrence of the sarcomatous component of the tumor, and he underwent a total laryngectomy. The other patient remained free of disease at 12 months of follow-up. We conclude that supracricoid partial laryngectomy may be offered as an organ-preserving measure even in patients with sarcomatous disease; total laryngectomy can be held in reserve as a rescue measure. Patients must be closely monitored for early detection of recurrence. The role of adjuvant therapy for sarcomatous neoplasms in this area has not yet been clearly established.