Roentgen examination of laryngeal cancer: a critical evaluation

In the management of laryngeal cancer, roentgen examination is imperative in the evaluation of every lesion. The currently most commonly used roentgen techniques are lateral soft tissue roentgenography of the neck, frontal tomography of the larnyx, and contrast laryngography. Clinical application of these techniques depends upon the character and site of the lesion. Lateral soft tissue roentgenography of the neck can reveal tumor mass located mainly in the sagittal plane of the larynx. In addition, it is often relied upon for the detection of destruction of the thyroid cartilage. Frontal tomography is a static study of the larynx and usually demonstrates tumor mass in profile. Contrast laryngography allows a dynamic study of the larynx and is the most reliable roentgen technique for a precise delineation of the anatomical abnormalities and a clear evaluation of the functional alteration of the involved structures of the larynx. When used in combination, particularly lateral soft tissue roentgenography of the neck and contrast laryngography, these techniques yield invaluable information in the diagnosis of the laryngeal cancer.