[Xeography of the neck and upper airways compared with conventional X-ray techniques (author's transl)].

The soft tissue structure and air containing hollow organs of the pharynx, larynx and upper trachea are particularly suitable for xerographic investigations. The well known edge effect on the one hand and the reduction of marked contrast effects on the other, both of which are specific features of xerography, provide much information and high diagnostic accuracy in the evaluation of abnormalities in the neck. Xerography was compared with lateral views and A.P. tomograms, using conventional radiography without contrast medium, in forty patients. Most had malignant tumours, but some had benign stenoses or injuries due to foreign bodies. Both with respect to total information obtained as well as detailed demonstration of the disease processes, xerography proved superior to radiography. An exception must be made for xerographic examinations of patients with short, thick necks. Accurate demonstration of the depth of malignant tumours and recognition of diseased lateral cervical lymphnodes is almost completely confined to xerography. Since radiation dose is increased by a factor of two to nine times, indications for xerography must be strictly defined, but is acceptable when compared with the radiation dose of routine examinations.