Impact of Transoral Radiofrequency Microsurgery and Radiotherapy on Long-term Swallowing Function in Patients with T1 Glottic Carcinoma

To compare the impact of transoral radiofrequency microsurgery (TRM) and radiotherapy (RT) on long-term swallowing function in patients with T1 glottic carcinoma. A total of 41 cases of T1 glottic carcinoma treated with TRM or RT alone more than 5 years ago were collected, including 17 cases treated with TRM (TRM group) and 24 cases treated with RT (RT group). The Chinese version of the Swallowing Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (CSWAL-QOL) and videofluoroscopic swallowing study results at the last follow-up (more than 5 years after TRM or RT) were assessed. The TRM group scored significantly better than the RT group on overall CSWAL-QOL, the Frequency score, and 6 out of 10 CSWAL-QOL dimensions. The RT group scored significantly better than the TRM group only on the Communication dimension. The dysphagia score (DS) and penetration-aspiration scale (PAS) score of the TRM group were better than those of the RT group. The overall CSWAL-QOL score, the Frequency score, DS, and PAS scores were not significantly different between patients who received conventional radiotherapy and patients who received intensity-modulated radiation therapy. The RT dose was correlated with the DS. TRM provides better swallowing outcomes as compared to RT in management of early glottic cancer. In addition, there is a correlation between RT dose and dysphagia. Prospective studies should be conducted to further evaluate the impact of TRM and RT on swallowing function.