Application of Ultrasound-guided Core Needle Biopsy in the Diagnosis of T3 or T4 Stage Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer.

AIM: To study the value of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (CNB) in the diagnosis of T3 or T4 stage laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, which is difficult by routine methods.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen cases of T3 or T4 stage laryngeal or hypopharyngeal carcinoma with abnormal pharyngeal sensitivity, severe dyspnea, submucous cancer recurrence, cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction were reviewed retrospectively from October 2012 to October 2014 in the Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University. Ultrasound-guided coarse needle biopsies were used on primary lesions after assessing the patients with neck-enhanced computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan(s). The clinical value of ultrasound-guided CNB in the diagnosis of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer was analyzed.

RESULTS: All patients underwent successful pathological diagnosis by ultrasound-guided CNB without any serious complications. Dyspnea, cardiovascular and pulmonary dysfunction did not deteriorate.

CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided CNB is a highly safe and efficient method for the pathological diagnosis of T3 or T4 stage laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer. It should be used especially when the fiberoptic or laryngoscope biopsy are of high risk.