Computed tomography of pharyngo-laryngeal carcinoma

CT scans of 36 carcinomas of the laryngo-pharyngeal region were analysed retrospectively and the results compared with the endoscopic and operative findings. For the final tumour staging in 18 cases of carcinoma of the larynx equivalent results were obtained in 12 cases; CT scan offered a better evaluation in two cases and insufficient dates in four. Destruction of cartilagineous structures, submucosal tumour infiltration and the pre-epiglottic space are better shown on CT scans. Faulty evaluation of tumour presence of extent are due to superficial tumour growth or to motion artefacts. For the final staging of 18 carcinomas of the pharynx results of CT and clinical findings were comparable in nine cases. CT was less precise in five and superior to endoscopy in four. Evaluation of neoplastic infiltration of the parapharyngeal soft-tissue and of the skull base was the main advantage of CT scanning. Low grade tumours of the oro- and hypopharynx were not visible on CT and tumours of the base of the tongue were insufficiently displayed.