The neck after total laryngectomy: CT study

D. J. DiSantis, D. M. Balfe, R. E. Hayden, S. S. Sagel, D. Sessions, J. K. Lee

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Computed tomographic scans in 23 patients who had undergone total laryngectomy were analyzed retrospectively to determine normal postoperative appearance and to evaluate the role of CT in assessing recurrent neoplasm. Nine patients without clinical evidence of recurrence illustrated the normal postoperative changes: a round or ovoid neopharynx connecting the base of the tongue with the cervical esophagus and intact fat planes surrounding the neopharynx, neurovascular bundles, and sternocleidomastoid muscles. In the 12 patients with recurrent neoplasm, the CT manifestations included masses involving the internal jugular lymph node chain (adjacent to the neopharynx, neurovascular bundles, or sternocleidomastoid muscles), tracheostomy site, or paratracheal region. Recurrence was mimicked on CT in two patients, one with an abscess and one with metastases from an adenocarcinoma of unknown primary site. In eight patients, a distended neopharyngeal lumen correlated with benign or malignant stricture. CT supplemented physical examination and indirect mirror examination, providing data regarding presence and extent of recurrent tumor and aiding in planning the mode and scope of therapy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)713-717
Number of pages5
JournalRadiology
Volume153
Issue number3 I
DOIs
StatePublished - 1984

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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