Learning objectives
To recognize CT findings of the normal anatomy of the laryngeal region.
To approach how to identify the different imaging appearance of the laryngeal cancer and its therapeutic involvement depending on the TNM staging.
Background
The larynx is an odd and median organ,
located in the middle part of the visceral sheath of the neck,
the tumoral involvement of larynx is mainly due to cancer.
Furthermore,
laryngeal cancer is one of the most common cancer of the upper aerodigestive tract.
Therefore,
a clear comprehension of the techniques and protocols for laryngeal imaging,
and familiarity with anatomical features and characteristic patterns of tumor spread within the various regions of the larynx,
are mandatory to the analysis of CT scans.
Findings and procedure details
Our review focuses on the anatomical conceptsand patterns of tumor spread and the means to detect this with optimal crosssectional imaging.
This allows an excellent depiction of the intricate anatomy of the larynx in order to study ventricular complex,
submucosal laryngeal spaces,
anteroposterior extension,
laryngeal cartilage involvement and metastatic spread permitting to establish a TNM staging,
and to recognize its impact above the array of therapeutic options.
1.
Anatomical recall: Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3,
Fig. 4
The larynx is a5-7 cm longhollow tube...
Conclusion
The cross sectional imaging provides information on laryngeal tumor volume,
laryngeal ventricle extension,
pharynx infiltration,
involvement of paraglottic,
preepiglottic and extralaryngeal spaces,
which plays a major role in voice conserving (partial laryngectomies) and radiotherapy effeciency.
References
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Hermans R,
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Mancuso AA,
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Laryngeal or Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Can Follow-up CT after Definitive Radiation Therapy Be Used to Detect Local Failure Earlier than Clinical Examination Alone? 1.
Radiology.
2000;214(3):683–687.
2.
Joshi VM,
Wadhwa V,
Mukherji SK.
Imaging in laryngeal cancers.
Indian J Radiol Imaging.
2012;22(3):209–26.
3.
Work in progress: NMR anatomy of the larynx and tongue base.
| Radiology [Internet].
[cited 2016 Dec 3].
Available from: http://pubs.rsna.org/doi/pdf/10.1148/radiology.148.1.6856830
4.
Tao TY,
Menias CO,
Herman TE,
McAlister WH,...