Imaging for Supraglottic Cancer

Imaging is only required if it may change management

Imaging of Primary

  • T1 / T2
    • Minority require imaging
    • Consider for anterior commissure tumours if concern about thyroid cartilage invasion
  • T3/4
    • CT / MRI rarely helpful if total laryngectomy planned
    • CT / MRI recommended if chemoradiation or partial laryngectomy considered
      • Thyroid cartilage
      • Paraglottic extension
      • Pre-epiglottic space involvement if supracricoid laryngectomy planned
      • Staging of cervical nodes
  • If primary radiation considered: Ultrasound, CT or MRI of larynx to exclude thyroid cartilage invasion

Cervical metastases

  • N0 neck: No need to image if elective neck dissection planned or for T1 cancers
  • N+ neck: Image (U/S or CT) if concern about resectability

Distant metastases:  CXR / CT chest: T2 – 4 cancers

Synchronous primary: CXR / CT chest

Index: Clinical Practice Guidelines for Supraglottic Cancer

Resource Appropriate Supraglottic Cancer Guideline Scenarios