Which laryngeal carcinoma subsite carries the best prognosis for early-stage disease due to the relative absence of lymphatics in that region?

• A Glottis (true vocal cord) ✓
• B Supraglottis
• C Subglottis
• D Epilarynx (marginal zone)

Explanation

Glottic carcinoma (true vocal cord) has an excellent prognosis for early T1–T2 lesions because the true vocal cords have sparse, almost absent lymphatics, resulting in very low rates of nodal metastasis. Early diagnosis is facilitated by hoarseness occurring even with small lesions. In contrast, supraglottic and epilaryngeal tumors have rich bilateral lymphatics leading to early nodal spread, and subglottic carcinomas drain to Delphian and paratracheal nodes.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.