Organ preservation surgery for laryngeal cancer in a brass instrument player: A case report

Abstract

Introduction. Modern treatments for early glottic carcinoma achieve high rates of local control and long-term survival, but side effects can have a substantial impact on a patient's quality of life. Little available research is present on the effects of organ-preservation therapy in musicians, highlighting the challenge of balancing functional outcomes with occupational demands. Case report. We present the successful surgical treatment of a mid-membranous left vocal fold squamous cell carcinoma (T1a) in a professional trombonist with a history of smoking. Due to suboptimal exposure during initial microlaryngoscopy, open cordectomy was performed for tumor removal instead of transoral laser microsurgery. After the operation and the proper rehabilitation the patient continued to play the brass instrument unhindered and managed to fulfill all the requirements of a national orchestra. Conclusion. Selecting treatment for glottic cancers in professional brass instrument players remains challenging due to limited literature and potential harm to performance and career. Partial open laryngectomies for laryngeal cancer treatment are shown to be feasible without compromising performance.