[Ultrasonographic characteristics of neck lesions and the value of ultrasound examination in postoperative monitoring of patients with laryngeal cancer].

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the superiority of ultrasound examination of the neck in comparison with palpation in patients operated on and irradiated because of the larynx cancer. Close follow up by means of ultrasonography all patients after initial operation is essential to detect recurrence early, while surgical salvage is still feasible. Scars, oedema and anatomical changes due to prior surgery and radiotherapy make the clinical examination very difficult. Apart from demonstrating non palpable nodes, ultrasound may also depict nodal size, multiplicity, relation to the surrounding vessels, invasion of the carotid artery and malignant extension in the salivary glands or thyroid. 12 pictures of ultrasound were presented.