Prospective computer-assisted voice analysis for patients with early stage glottic cancer: A preliminary report of the functional result of laryngeal irradiation
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (USA)
In January 1987 we began a prospective study aimed at evaluating objective parameters of vocal function for all patients treated with RT for early glottic cancer. All patients underwent vocal analysis using a voice analyzer interfaced with a computer. This allowed for the determination of percent voicing (%V) (normal = presence of phonation = 90-100%V). Other parameters such as breathiness and strain were also measured. Patients were recorded before RT, weekly during RT, and at set intervals after RT. There have been 25 patients studied. Eighteen (18) are evaluable at 9 months after treatment. All patients were male and ranged from 45-84 years old. Fourteen (14) and T1 lesions and received 66 GY/33 fractions to their larynx and 4 had T2 tumors and received 66-70 Gy/33-35 fractions. To date, all patients are locally controlled. Three distinct patterns of %V changes have been encountered. However, all patients demonstrated normal phonation pattern by 3 months after RT, and this is sustained at 9 months follow-up. In addition, 94% of patients have had significant decrease in breathiness after RT, which objectively documents diminished hoarseness. In 83%, breathiness is normal after RT. Most patients have had increased strain after RT, which documents increased vocal cord tension. However, strain remained within normal limits in 89%. Our preliminary analysis suggests that the majority of patients irradiated for early glottic cancer demonstrate a decrease in breathiness and an increase in strain after RT, and enjoy a resultant voice that has normal phonation maintained at 9 months after RT. Our data also demonstrate three distinct phonation patterns. Further follow-up will allow us to determine the prognostic significance, if any, of these patterns, and to continue to follow objective vocal parameters on larger numbers of patient.
- OSTI ID:
- 6791480
- Journal Information:
- International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics; (USA), Vol. 19:1; ISSN 0360-3016
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Voice Quality After Treatment of Early Vocal Cord Cancer: A Randomized Trial Comparing Laser Surgery With Radiation Therapy
Electroglottographic Comparison of Voice Outcomes in Patients With Advanced Laryngopharyngeal Cancer Treated by Chemoradiotherapy or Total Laryngectomy