1971 Volume 22 Issue 2 Pages 73-77
Since 1949 we have been working on periodical examination for a large group of over 700 patients who underwent the total laryngectomy due to laryngeal cancer and have spoken by means of esophageal speech method or with a speech instrument.
It was planned with a purpose of following studies:
a) Estimation of general organic and functional conditions of such senile patients and guidance or controle of personal life.
b) Detection of local recurrence or metastases to other organs, especially to the lung, in early stage.
c) Influencet of inhalation through the stoma of the trachea on the lung.
d) Roentgenologic analysis of phonation and speech mechanism by means of cinematography.
e) Relation between abnormal speech methods and condtions of G-1-tract.
For b) and c) we have used all sorts of roentgen examination technics, such as plain and contrast, including high-voltage and direct magnification radiography, which make us possible to interprete various abnormalities of lung markings, especially of vascular shadows. Results obtained, concerning about b) and c) are as follows:
1) Recurrences or lung metastases of laryngeal cancer were chiefly concentratrated within 5 years after operation, particularly frequent in the first 2 years.
2) Primary lung cancer of any other organs, for example, stomach, intestine or kidney, were revealed in relative higher incidence.
3) Changes of bronchopulmonary system were found in various forms and grades:
(i) chronic and recurrent inflammation,
(ii) fibrotic changes, above all, of interstitial tissues, which leds to abnormalities of vascular shadow, such as irregular running course, unbalanced calibre and/or irregular contour, and
(iii) emphysema.
