Imaging of the hypopharynx and larynx

Abstract

Physical and endoscopic examinations are routinely used for initial evaluation of hypopharyngeal and laryngeal pathology; however, detection of deep extension of mucosal lesions or diagnosis of submucosal lesions cannot be reliably performed by clinical evaluation alone. Radiological imaging using computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be used as complementary to clinical examination for diagnosis and further evaluation of hypopharynx and larynx lesions. Imaging is extensively used for differential diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning of the primary disease, as well as for follow-up following treatment.