Imaging of laryngeal cancer

Abstract

CT and MRI are the main modalities for examination of laryngeal pathology. Generally, MRI seems to be the optimal method of examination in cooperative patients, especially for evaluation of their larynx before an attempted partial laryngectomy. The choice between the two modalities will also be determined by one's experience with these modalities. The possibilities of CT and MRI vary clearly from each other regarding detection of cartilage invasion. MRI seems to be more sensitive than CT in detection of neoplastic cartilage invasion, but seems to have a somewhat lower specificity, especially for thyroid cartilage involvement. There are increasing indications for imaging regarding tumor volume, and signs of cartilage involvement may have prognostic significance for the risk of tumor recurrence.