Correlation of computed tomography and conventional hypopharyngography findings in hypopharyngeal tumours

Accuracy and clinical application of computed tomography (CT) and conventional hypopharyngography have been evaluated in 32 patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Radiologic results were compared with endoscopic findings. Equivalent CT and hypopharyngographic findings were found in 17 cases. In 13 cases, more data about the tumours were obtained by CT. Submucous infiltration of surrounding tissues, destruction of cartilaginous structures and enlarged lymph nodes were demonstrated only by CT. More information about functional changes were obtained by hypopharyngography. During hypopharyngography, a disorder in the act of swallowing was shown in 11 cases. Axial tumour diameter could be defined more exactly using hypopharyngography.