OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of surgery for the patients with pyriform sinus carcinoma and analyze the prognostic factors related to the cancer.

METHODSBetween December 1995 and December 2002, 62 patients with pyriform sinus cancer were treated in Zhejiang Tumor Hospital. There were 13 patients staged T1, 17 T2, 12 T3, 20 T4. Four patients received preoperative radiation and 40 patients had post-operative radiation. Among 62 patients, 33 patients were treated by partial laryngectomy, 29 patients were treated by total laryngectomy.

RESULTSThe survival rate was calculated with Kaplan-Meier method. The overall 3- and 5-year survival rates were 42.3% and 27.8%, respectively. The 3-year survival rate between partial and total laryngectomy was 51.9% and 29.9%. The 5-year survival rate between partial and total laryngectomy was 39.5% and 11.2% (chi2 = 4.14, P<0.05). Early stage and combined modality therapy were the independent favorable prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONSEarly diagnosis with treatment and combined treatment are the most important factors influencing the survival of patients with pyriform sinus carcinoma. Partial laryngopharyngectomy is a suitable treatment for early and selected advanced pyriform sinus carcinoma with a good function and oncologic outcome.