The role of computed tomography in the management of cancer of the larynx.
Computed tomography (CT) offers a unique method of displaying the anatomy of laryngeal cancer. Asymmetrical contours of the thyroid cartilages have been found as a normal variant. Marked asymmetry may indicate buckling of the cartilage which could contribute to acute airway obstruction following radiation therapy. A low-density, soft-tissue plane medial to the thyroid cartilages may prove valuable in evaluating cartilaginous involvement with tumor. Computed tomography should make a significant contribution to more accurate planning of radiation therapy portals by showing the relationship of lymphatic spread to the primary tumors.
D006801:Humans; D007817:Laryngeal Cartilages / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007822:Laryngeal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging