CASE REPORT
Transoral Laser Microsurgery for Early Vocal Cord Cancer
Transoral Laser Microsurgery for Early Vocal Cord Cancer
A month of hoarseness mistaken for a lingering cold turned out to be early-stage vocal cord cancer, treated with a single day-care laser procedure and no external incision.
Patient Age
55 Years
Symptom duration
1 month
Vocal cord cancer
Early Stage
Hospital discharge
Same Day
Clinical history
A 55-year-old school teacher presented with hoarseness of voice persisting for one month. He had initially attributed the symptom to a lingering cold and had tried local medications and home remedies, but his voice did not return to normal. He subsequently sought a specialist opinion. Office-based flexible laryngoscopy, an endoscopic examination of the larynx performed in the clinic, revealed an unexpected finding: an early-stage vocal cord cancer.
Surgical Course
Office-based flexible laryngoscopy identified an early-stage tumor of the vocal cord, prompting further treatment planning.
Given the early stage of disease, Transoral Laser Microsurgery (TLM) was selected as the treatment of choice over radiation therapy.
Using a high-powered surgical microscope and a precision laser, the tumor was removed entirely through the mouth, with no external incision and no neck scar.
The procedure required no major surgery, and the patient was discharged the same day.
Outcome
At his 6-month follow-up, the patient was cancer-free with a normal voice, had returned to teaching, and reported an excellent quality of life.
