Chapter 3 The Role of PET/CT in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

Authors :: Kale H
Rath TJ
Source :: Seminars in ultrasound, CT, and MR [Semin Ultrasound CT MR] 2017 Oct; Vol. 38 (5), pp. 479-494. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Jun 15.
Publication Year :: 2017
Abstract: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is an important cause of cancer morbidity worldwide and has been stratified into human papillomavirus-related and human papillomavirus-unrelated subgroups that affect prognosis and now staging. Conventional anatomical imaging methods are suboptimal for the detection of regional and distant metastases that are important prognosticators associated with poor outcomes. Functional imaging with (F18)-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is a useful tool in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, providing complementary physiological and anatomical information. In this article, optimal PET/CT technique will be reviewed and the pretreatment and posttreatment applications of PET/CT will be described. A simplified approach to imaging interpretation, including review of pearls and pitfalls will be discussed. An initial framework for follow-up evaluation will be provided.<br /> (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.)