ear, nose, and throat disorders
Laryngeal Cancer
Diagnosis of Laryngeal Cancer
Laryngoscopy Operative endoscopy and biopsy Imaging tests for staging All patients who have hoarseness for>2 to 3 weeks should have their larynx examined by a head and neck specialist. Some practitioners use a mirror to evaluate the larynx, but most prefer a flexible fiberoptic examination. Any lesions discovered require further evaluation, usually with operative endoscopy and biopsy, with concomitant evaluation of the upper airway and gastrointestinal tract for coexisting cancers. The incidence of a synchronous second primary tumor may be as high as 10%. Patients with confirmed carcinoma typically have neck CT with contrast and a chest x-ray or chest CT. Most clinicians also do PET of the neck and chest at the time of diagnosis. 