Morphologic Investigations in Head and Neck Cancer

摘要: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the fifth most common worldwide traditionally associated with high morbidity mortality. Patients head squamous cell require a careful evaluation multidisciplinary team approach to determine optimal management. Treatment planning depends on TNM staging, which evaluated physical examination, endoscopies, cross-sectional imaging. CT MR imaging form main stays of extensively utilized in characterizing staging malignant tumors involving critical for selection appropriate therapeutic regimens. The goal patients HNC are establish tumor extent size, assess nodal disease, possible perineural spread, distinguish recurrent from posttreatment changes, monitor result response treatment. Cross-sectional supplements compliments examination by delineating complex anatomic pathological changes neck. MRI complement each other; certain conditions better studied one than other. Various strengths weaknesses modality should be carefully considered when selecting them assessment follow up. Certain newer techniques, such as perfusion, spectroscopy, facilitate functional parameters oncologic patients, tissue can integrate morphologic metabolic information derived conventional techniques have potential identify characteristics that could indicate progression. Recently, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) was introduced found superior work-ups malignancies. It improves detection occult cervical lymphatic distant metastasis, assists localization unknown primary carcinoma region or synchronous second tumor. Combined PET/CT scanners improved HNC, incorporating accuracy data 18FDG-PET. From methodological development, these investigations making transition preclinical clinical validating methods eventually widespread tools.