A complete diagnostic examination includes examination with tongue blade, mirrors and scopes, physical examination to rule out other areas of spread and determine the tolerance and precautions for therapy, x-ray barium esophogram to show if there is any distortion of the esophagus, CT or MRI scan to outline the tumor and show its extent, chest x-ray to rule out spread to the lungs and biopsy of the lesion to establish the diagnosis.
It is also usually necessary for the larynx to be examined under anesthesia with the aid of a laryngoscope. The area of cancer can be carefully examined and additional biopsies taken along the edges to establish the extent of tumor involvement.
Treatment Overview Small cancers of the larynx have a good prognosis . If there is no spread to lymph nodes , the cure rate is 75 to 95 percent. Although most early lesions can be cured by radiotherapy or surgery, radiotherapy is often chosen first in an attempt to preserve a better voice. Surgery is used later if the tumor recurs. Laser excision surgery is also used, especially if the tumor is limited to one vocal cord. However, a substantial number of such patients may require additional treatment.
• Locally advanced lesions, especially with large involved lymph nodes, are poorly controlled by either method
