CT of the larynx

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Conventional radiography has limitations in evaluating laryngeal disease.
• Computed tomography (CT) offers advanced imaging capabilities for laryngeal pathology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review normal CT anatomy of the larynx.
• To discuss the diagnostic applications of CT in laryngeal disease, particularly cancer.

Main Methods:

• Review of CT imaging techniques for laryngeal evaluation.
• Analysis of CT's ability to depict cross-sectional anatomy and soft tissue density differences.
• Emphasis on contrast-enhanced CT for lymph node and vascular assessment.

Main Results:

• CT provides detailed three-dimensional visualization of disease extent.
• CT effectively differentiates soft tissues, aiding in lymph node and vascular identification with contrast.
• CT offers critical information on cartilage and deep structures, essential for surgical planning.

Conclusions:

• CT has become a dominant tool in the radiologic work-up of laryngeal disease.
• CT is invaluable for pretreatment staging and post-treatment evaluation of laryngeal cancer.
• CT enables informed surgical decisions regarding conservation or radical approaches for laryngeal malignancies.