Xeroradiography of the lateral neck

Because of its "edge enhancement" technique, xeroradiography provides an improved method for evaluation of the laryngeal cartilages and soft tissue coverings when compared to conventional radiographs. If one becomes familiar with the varied appearances of the normal structures, there is a large amount of information which can be obtained from a single lateral view of the neck which would otherwise be overlooked or misinterpreted. This article is intended to familiarize the reader with the various techniques available to study the structures of the larynx and associated soft tissues. However, much of the emphasis will be on the xeroradiographic appearance of normal structures and abnormal processes in both the adult and the pediatric patient.