[Imaging in head and neck cancers]

Abstract

The head and neck imaging plays a central role at all stages of the management of cancer. Indeed, the image allows the oncology planning, surgery and radiotherapy. It is a multimodal imaging and the advantages and limitations of each technique must be known. Good knowledge of cervical anatomy is a necessary prerequisite for communication with the multidisciplinary committee. The computerised tomodensitometry is the gold standard for the pharyngolarynx. The MRI is the modality of choice for the oral cavity, oropharynx and nasopharynx. Ultrasound allows a comprehensive study of cervical lymph nodes. Functional imaging and nuclear medicine are still under evaluation. However, the literature already allows establishing their usefulness where morphological imaging is limited. The diagnosis of subclinical metastatic lymph nodes, the differentiation between recurrence and post-treatment modifications, monitoring chemotherapy and radiation therapy planning are indications for which new imaging techniques are invaluable.

Keywords: CT; IRM; PET-CT-18-FDG; cancer; head and neck.