| Ch 6 | Example of Cancer Classification | |
| Cancer Classification |
Vocal Cord Cancer | |
The following table gives a general outline of vocal chord cancer classification.
Diagrams are available for the following:
T Classification
| Classification |
Description |
| T1
T1a T1b |
Tumour limited to the vocal chord(s) (may involve anterior or posterior commissure) with normal mobility
|
| Tumour extending to supraglottis and/or subglottis and/or with impaired vocal chord mobility | |
| Tumour limited to the larynx with vocal chord fixation and/or invading paraglottic space, and/or minor thyroid cartilage erosion (e.g., inner cortex) | |
T4 : extension beyond the larynx T4a: tumour invading through the thyroid cartilage and/or invading tissues beyond the larynx (e.g., trachea, soft tissues of neck, including deep extrinsic muscle of the tongue, strap muscles, thyroid, or oesophagus) T4b: tumour invading prevertebral space, encasing carotid artery, or invading mediastinal structures |
N.B. on the following link you will find the anatomy of cervical nodes.
| Classification |
Description |
| NX | Regional lymph nodes cannot be assessed |
| NO | No regional lymph node metastasis |
| N1 | Metastasis in a single ipsilateral lymph node, 3 cm or less at its largest point |
| Metastasis in a single ipsilateral lymph node larger than 3 cm but no more than 6 cm at its largest point | |
| Metastasis in multiple ipsilateral lymph nodes, no larger than 6 cm at its largest point | |
| Metastasis in bilateral or contralateral lymph nodes, no larger than 6 cm at its largest point | |
| Metastasis in a lymph node more than 6 cm at its largest point |
| Supra glottic tumour |
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| T |
Local control |
5 year survival |
| T1 |
80-90% |
65-90% |
T2 |
60-80% |
50-65% |
T3 |
35-70% |
35-55% |
T4 |
30-60% |
15-40% |
It is clear that despite more and more mutilating surgery, 5 year survival diminishes: this is due to the high frequency of remote metastases (and of monstrous nodes which cannot be cured by radiotherapy).
| Vocal chord tumour |
||
| T |
Local control |
5 year survival |
| T1 |
85-95 % |
80-95 % |
T2 |
65-75 % |
60-85 % |
T3 |
20-35 % |
35-60 % |
T4 |
15-30 % |
10-30 % |
Compilation of results according to Laramore (Radiation therapy of Head and Neck Cancer. Berlin. Springer Verlag 1988).
For French speaking readers : the website of Lorraine Region network, Oncolor, about larynx tumours (in particular the discussion on larynx conservation) is a very interesting website about the decision tree in larynx carcinoma.
For English speaking readers, the National Cancer Institute describes Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer with classification and treatment options.
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