A comment on laryngeal cytology.

Cytology of the laryngeal mucosa proved to be a suitable method for diagnosing low-grade and intermediate dysplasia, but it did not allow any distinction between high-grade dysplasia and invasive cancer. In our experience, the use of this method should be restricted to a few conditions, such as the persistance of recurrent dysplasias and certain extended lesions from which biopsies give a high risk for scarring and permanent hoarseness.