Diagnosis of Laryngeal Cancer

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.