European Laryngological Society consensus statement on optimal monitoring schedules after treatment for early glottic cancer: a risk-stratification

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2025 Sep;282(9):4699-4710. doi: 10.1007/s00405-025-09609-0. Epub 2025 Aug 4.

Abstract

Early glottic cancer has an excellent prognosis provided that recurrences are detected in a timely manner. However, current guidelines lack specific recommendations for intervals or interventions during follow-up, and primarily advocate surveillance in the most advanced stages where the benefits are actually the lowest. This consensus statement introduces a risk-stratification-guided follow-up schedule for T1-T2N0 patients, aiming to optimize oncologic and functional outcomes while ensuring early detection of residual or recurrent disease to preserve organ function. Separate protocols are outlined for surgical and non-surgical patients, including endoscopic examination, radiological imaging, and thyroid function screening. Also, the pathway to reach this routine observation phase is described, specifying the criteria and timing of a second-look microlaryngoscopy.

Keywords: Early glottic carcinoma; Follow-up; Laryngeal cancer; Recurrence; T1; T2.

Publication types

  • Consensus Statement

MeSH terms

  • Europe
  • Glottis* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local* / diagnosis
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Risk Assessment
  • Societies, Medical