New Developments in Imaging of Laryngeal Cancer

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To critically review the recent literature about laryngeal cancer imaging using a clinically oriented perspective and focusing on technical innovations.

Recent Findings

A number of articles have been recently published on cartilage invasion assessment. Inaccuracy of CT in assessing major cartilage invasion and extralaryngeal spread has emerged. Imaging of paraglottic and preepiglottic space invasion has been less investigated. MR can outperform CT, but optimization of MR protocols is crucial. Dual-energy/spectral CT and diffusion-weighted MR are promising techniques, but their clinical utility needs to be confirmed. Tumor volume is usually overestimated with CT and MR compared to that of histopathology. Follow-up, especially after (chemo) radiation, is challenging, and MR with diffusion-weighted sequences seems superior to CT in discriminating recurrence from inflammatory changes.

Summary

CT is a well-established technique, with known limitations. MR potential needs to be exploited using a state-of-the-art technique. Specific relevant issues for planning mini invasive surgery need to be further investigated.

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