Long-term functional outcomes in tumour stage T₂ glottic carcinoma after radiotherapy

ObjectiveTo evaluate the long-term functional outcomes in patients who received primary radiotherapy for tumour-node stage T2N0 glottic carcinoma, stratified for tumour extension. MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed on patients who were treated with radiotherapy for T2N0 glottic carcinoma. Four questionnaires were used to measure different aspects of functional outcome. In addition, objective evaluation and perceptual analysis were performed. ResultsFourteen patients were included in this study. The median time between the start of radiotherapy and assessment was 42 months (range, 26-143 months). Patients reported high-level functioning, with low symptom scores and good swallowing function, and showed a median dysphonia grade of 1.5. The median Voice Handicap Index-30 score was 17.5. ConclusionPatients with T2N0 glottic carcinoma treated with radiotherapy had good long-term quality of life, with low symptom scores, good swallowing functioning and slightly elevated voice outcome parameters.