Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Laryngeal Carcinoma

Abstract

The mucosal extent of laryngeal tumours can be fairly accurately assessed by laryngoscopy and conventional radiography i.e. plain films, tomography, contrast laryngography. These methods allow a functional study to be performed (Olofsson and Sökjer 1977, 1979). Deep infiltration is indicated by vocal cord fixation and more than 50% of glottic carcinomas with this feature invaded the laryngeal framework and/or spread outside the larynx (Olofsson et al. 1973; Olofsson and van Nostrand 1973). The detection of cartilage invasion by radiography is unreliable, the destruction of the anterior portion of the thyroid cartilage may be diagnosed by low-voltage lateral plain film examination. A better mapping of the deep extension of the tumours is a prerequisite to safer select the patients especially for conservation surgery but is certainly of importance too, when radiotherapy or surgery is discussed.