Imaging of laryngeal cancer

Modern laryngeal imaging with CT scans or MR images provides critical information about primary tumor extent and the status of the neck nodes. This information is complementary to the physical examination and is essential for treatment planning purposes in all but the smallest laryngeal malignancies. This article focuses on the modalities available for laryngeal cancer imaging, the strengths and weaknesses of those modalities, the imaging anatomy of the larynx, and key imaging features of laryngeal cancer. Also briefly discussed are neck nodes, the post-treatment appearance of the neck, and the problem of tumor recurrence.