[The MRI appearances of laryngeal carcinoma invading postcricoid area].

Objective: By studying the MRI apperances of postcricoid area invaded by laryngeal carcinoma, to identify the characteristic appearances of the invaded postcricoid area and to provide information on the early detection of the lesions.

Method: Eighteen cases of MRI images of postcricoid area invaded by laryngeal carcinoma were included in this study. To find out the characteristic manifestation of the lesions, the destructions of surrounding structures and layers, and the invaded extent were observed.

Result: In 18 cases the invaded lesions of postcricoid area include the mucous layer, submucous fat layer and the mucous layer of anterior wall. In 14 cases the invaded lesions of postcricoid area include the mucous layer, submucous fat layer and the mucous layer of the posterior wall. The soft tissue mass was found in 15 cases, and disappeared hypopharynx cavity in 16 cases. In 14 cases, the full-thickness of both anterior and posterior walls were invaded, accompanied with soft tissue mass and disappeared hypopharynx cavity.

Conclusion: The postcricoid area invaded by laryngeal carcinoma usually shows the destruction of normal structures, signal change in MRI and soft tissue mass. Being familiar with the imaging of the invaded postcricoid area is extremely important to early detect laryngeal carcinomas invading postcricoid area.