Imaging in Head and Neck Cancers

Abstract

This article reviews the role of imaging, imaging characteristics and significance of individual imaging modalities as well as the newer imaging modalities in the evaluation of head and neck cancer. In the pretreatment evaluation, imaging is performed primarily to determine the stage of tumor and to look for an occult primary. It helps in obtaining tissue samples to establish the diagnosis, and treatment planning if radiotherapy is considered. Postsurgery and radiotherapy changes can be differentiated from residual or recurrent pathology on imaging. Imaging also plays an important role in assessing the response to treatment.