Computed tomography in carcinoma of the larynx and piriform sinus

The conventional methods of examination do not furnish a complete picture of deep extension of carcinoma of the larynx and piriform sinus. Often the only sign of deep invasion is vocal cord fixation. The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether further information in this respect might be provided by computed tomography. The results of examinations by this technique were assessed on the basis of the findings in whole-organ serial sections in the transverse plane in 8 patients with laryngeal and 2 with piriform sinus carcinoma. In 2 further patients not undergoing operation, the findings yielded by CT were compared to the laryngoscopic assessment and the findings at a clinical follow-up after a full course of radiotherapy. CT adds valuable information on the deep invasion of the tumour, especially spread lateral to the arytenoid cartilage, to the laryngeal framework and outside the larynx.