Investigations in Carcinoma Larynx

Investigations determine:

• tumour site
• extent
• cord mobility
• nodal spread
• cartilage invasion

---

History

Important symptoms:

• persistent hoarseness
• dysphagia
• stridor
• neck swelling

Any hoarseness lasting >2 weeks in adults requires laryngeal examination.

---

Indirect Laryngoscopy

Assesses:

• lesion appearance
• site
• cord mobility

---

Fibreoptic Laryngoscopy

Provides better visualization of:

• vallecula
• epiglottis
• pyriform fossa
• vocal cords
• subglottis

---

Direct Laryngoscopy with Biopsy

Definitive diagnostic procedure.

Histopathology confirms diagnosis.

---

Imaging

CT Scan

Useful for:

• cartilage invasion
• paraglottic spread
• nodal disease

MRI

Better soft tissue evaluation.

Chest X-ray

Used to detect pulmonary metastasis.

---

Neck Examination

Evaluates:

• nodal metastasis
• fixation
• bilateral disease