Ultrasound as a Useful Diagnostic Tool in the Follow-up of Laryngeal Carcinoma

Abstract

ABSTRACTBackgroundUsing neck ultrasound to evaluate the status of the lymph nodes of a patient with a head and neck cancer is common practice but laryngeal ultrasound could help to receive more information of the tumor.Methods and resultsWe report a case of an initially T1a N0 M0 G2 R0 squamous-cell carcinoma of the right vocal cord. Despite regular follow-up, the relapse of the tumor remained undetected. The hypopharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy were performed. The tumor was evaluated with laryngeal ultrasound and to confirm the relapse of the tumor a MRI scan was performed. Endoscopically there was no obvious presence of the tumor. Laryngeal ultrasound facilitated the visualization of the tumor in good quality.Unfortunately, a total laryngectomy was necessary to treat the relapse of the squamous-cell carcinoma (T4a N0 (0/16) M0 G2 R0).ConclusionDespite careful follow-up via laryngoscopy a relapse of the laryngeal tumor was not visible. Using laryngeal ultrasound, the relapse might have been detected sooner.