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

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.