Tumor Growth and Extension in the Larynx

Abstract

At the April 1988 meeting of the American Laryngological Association in Palm Beach, Fla, Dr Louis W. Welsh, Jenkintown, Pa, recently reported a study of the internal structure of the larynx and the anatomic factors that impacted on the pattern of tumor spread and expansion. This study was based on the administration of a dye in the subepithelial tissues. Photographs of the animal larynx with the dye injected were made, and the larynx was then sent for histologic examination. This report confirmed the work of Pressman and other investigators who found that the larynx was divided into submucosal compartments bounded by the ligaments, perichondrium, cartilaginous framework, and the muscular fibrillar network. There was spread to the other side of the supraglottis, but not across the ventricle. Dye would spread around the anterior commissure but not to the other vocal cord at the level of the glottis. The subglottic spread allowed