A 58-year-old male with a T1N0M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the right true vocal cord (glottis) with normal cord mobility is being considered for treatment. Which statement best describes the expected 5-year local control rate with definitive radiotherapy for this lesion?
- A Approximately 40-50%
- B Approximately 85-95% ✓
- C Approximately 60-70%
- D Approximately 30-40%
Correct answer: B. Approximately 85-95%
Explanation
T1N0M0 glottic carcinoma has an excellent prognosis with definitive radiotherapy, with reported 5-year local control rates of approximately 85-95%. This is one of the most curable head and neck cancers. Radiotherapy and transoral laser microsurgery offer comparable local control rates for T1 glottic cancer, and both are standard treatment options. The high cure rate is due to the early stage and the relatively low rate of nodal metastasis in early glottic cancer.
Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.