[Imaging procedures in diagnosis of laryngeal cancer with special reference to high resolution ultrasound]

Sonography was compared with operative and histological results in 42 patients with advanced laryngeal cancer. Sonography was accurate in the imaging of supraglottic tumours. Infiltration of the base of the tongue (n = 4) and of the pre-epiglottic space (n = 12), as well as of the thyroid cartilage (n = 8) and subglottic extensions (n = 3) were visualized too. Infiltration of the piriform sinus was correctly assessed sonographically in 8 patients. Endoscopy was superior to sonography in endolaryngeal delineation of the tumour, with in exception of paraglottic tumours. In cervical lymph node staging sonography was more accurate than palpation (86% versus 69%). The diagnostic capabilities of sonography were compared with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Due to its widespread availability and high accuracy in the delineation of supraglottic and extralaryngeal extensions and in cervical lymph node staging, sonography can be performed as primary imaging modality in advanced laryngeal cancer. If it is not possible to obtain complete delineation of the tumour by sonography, MRI must be undertaken.