ACTA FAC MED NAISS 2008; 25 (3): 157-163

Review article

VALUE OF IMAGING STUDIES IN THE STAGING AND FOLLOW-UP OF HEAD AND NECK SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Robert Hermans


Department of Radiology
University Hospitals Leuven
Leuven, Belgium

  SUMMARY

Imaging methods assist in the treatment planning of head and neck neoplasms by better defining the local extension of infiltrating tumours and by detecting subclinical neck adenopathies. Imaging has also an important role in excluding or detecting distant metastasis. The imaging findings are helpful in determining the optimal therapy, and in identifying patients at high risk for recurrence to be followed up more closely. Imaging can be used to monitor tumour response and to try to detect recurrent or persistent disease before it becomes clinically evident, possibly with a better chance for successful salvage.

Key words: imaging, follow-up, squamous cell carcinoma, head, neck