[Evaluating the clinical applications of CTVL in laryngeal carcinomas].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical applications of computer tomography virtual laryngoscopy (CTVL) in laryngeal carcinoma. METHOD: 34 cases of laryngeal carcinomas and 5 cases of normal larynx were scanned by spiral CT and analyzed by computers. The virtual endoscopy findings of all patients were compared with those of fiber optical laryngoscopy and surgical findings. All the carcinomas were pathologically proved. RESULT: The visualization of normal anatomical structure in larynx on CTVL is the same as that of fiber optic laryngoscopy. Tumor local extension showed in CT virtual endoscopy is superior to that of fiber optic laryngoscopy. Images of early laryngeal carcinomas showed in CT virtual endoscopy is not so good as those of fiber optic laryngoscopy. CONCLUSION: CT virtual laryngoscopy is a good complement to fiber optic laryngoscopy.