Computed Tomography vs Laryngography: A Comparison of Relative Diagnostic Value

Abstract

The computed tomography (CT) scans and laryngograms of 25 patients with laryngeal cancer were compared and evaluated in an assessment of the diagnostic accuracy of each modality in the supraglottis glottic, and subglottic regions. Fourth generation scanners were used in these patients, all of whom subsequently underwent laryngectomy or partial laryngectomy. The clinical superiority of CT scanning was evident in several areas—confirming clinical impressions that laryngography is not as accurate as CT, is frequently misleading, and offers no significant advantages over CT. In this regard, we now believe that computed tomography is the most important radiologic adjunct in the diagnosis of laryngeal cancer, and we no longer order the laryngogram on a routine basis.