The value of twice yearly bronchoscopy in the work-up and follow-up of patients with laryngeal cancer

Abstract

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the usefulness and feasibility of twice-yearly bronchoscopy and sputum cytology in patients with laryngeal cancer. In 170 selected patients, 500 (both initial and during follow-up) bronchoscopies were performed. There was a maximum follow-up of 34 months. 5 (2.8%) male patients developed lung cancer. In only 2 of them was the diagnosis based on bronchoscopy alone. After treatment with curative intent, both patients developed a recurrent lung carcinoma. According to most patients' experience, regular bronchoscopy is unpleasant. It is concluded that twice-yearly bronchoscopy and sputum cytology in patients with laryngeal cancer is not useful as a routine procedure. At present, chemoprevention of second primary tumours seems the most promising adjunctive treatment modality.