The use of PROMOGRAN to manage a patient suffering radiation damage after a laryngectomy

Glottic tumours More than 50% of tumours are located in the glottic region which houses the vocal cords that allow phonation and protect the airway during swallowing. The vocal cords also facilitate coughing which is important for cleansing the airway. When the glottis is the site of origin of the tumour, intermittent hoarseness can appear early in the disease, followed by voice changes, sore throat, dysphagia, referred ear pain (otalgia) and shortness of breath if the tumour is not caught early. Radiotherapy is the primary treatment modality for Stage 1 glottic tumours with a success rate as high as 96% if treated early (Dhillon and East, 1994); as lymphatic drainage in this area is sparse and therefore spread of disease usually occurs late. The other treatment option is transoral laser surgery for the management of both Stage 1 and Stage 2 tumours.