Diagnosis of Laryngeal Cancer

Reading time: 1 min

Diagnosis is established after a series of tests is performed:

Laryngeal examination. This is performed at an otorhinolaryngology (more commonly known as Ear, Nose and Throat or ENT) surgery using a flexible fibroendoscope. It allows the lesion to be superficially characterised and defined.
Biopsy. A biopsy informs the diagnosis of the lesion. It can be performed at an outpatient clinic (with local anaesthetic), or in an operating theatre (under general anaesthetic).
Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A radiological study that provides information on the local and nodal extension of the tumour. In very advanced cases, positron emission tomography (PET) may be performed to rule out distant metastases.