A fit patient has resectable T3 laryngeal cancer with a functional larynx and no cartilage destruction. Which statement best reflects management?
Selected T3 disease can be managed with larynx-preservation treatment or total laryngectomy-based therapy. Oncological control, pretreatment function, aspiration risk, salvage implications and patient priorities determine the choice.
A. Radiotherapy is always superior to surgery: No universal superiority applies across function and disease patterns.
B. Total laryngectomy is mandatory for every T3 tumour: Selected functional T3 larynges may be preserved.
C. Voice outcome alone should determine treatment: Swallowing, airway, survival, salvage and comorbidity also matter.
D. Treatment should begin before staging and dental assessment: Definitive therapy requires complete multidisciplinary preparation.
E. Both organ-preservation chemoradiotherapy and surgery should be discussed by the specialist MDT: Selected T3 disease can be managed with larynx-preservation treatment or total laryngectomy-based therapy. Oncological control, pretreatment function, aspiration risk, salvage implications and patient priorities determine the choice.
If the larynx were already non-functional with aspiration and extensive cartilage invasion, primary total laryngectomy would often be favoured.
Independent Clinora educational preparation material; not official JCIE content, an accredited programme, clinical advice, or a substitute for current guidance, local policy and specialist judgement.
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