Ultrasound characteristics of early glottic laryngeal cancer: diagnostic value and preoperative T staging

AIM: To analyze the ultrasound characteristics of early glottic laryngeal cancer and evaluate their value in diagnosis and T-stage prediction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 154 patients with postoperative diagnosis of early glottic cancer were included. Ultrasonic findings were summarized, and factors influencing diagnosis and T staging were analyzed. RESULTS: Key findings included mucosal roughness, reduced echogenicity, vocal cord masses, and Adler grade III blood flow. Ultrasound showed 87.66% sensitivity. Adler grade and vocal cord mass were independent predictors of diagnosis. T-staging concordance was 74.51% for T1a, 72.73% for T1b, and 86.21% for T2, with no significant difference among stages. Adler grade and resistance index differed significantly across T stages, with resistance index and vocal cord mass being independent staging factors. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound can clearly distinguish mucosal layer lesions on the vocal cords, and it has a certain value in the diagnosis and T staging of early glottic laryngeal cancer.