Imaging in head and neck cancer: United Kingdom National Multidisciplinary Guidelines

Abstract

This guideline is endorsed by the specialty associations involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients in the UK. This paper summarises the current imaging modalities in use for head and neck cancer evaluation. It highlights their role in the management with recommendations on modality choice for each cancer subsite. Recommendations • Offer appropriate radiological imaging, based on tumour extent, site and local expertise, to stage tumours and plan treatment for patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer. (G) • Consider positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging if conventional cross-sectional imaging identifies no primary site. (R) • Offer PET-CT imaging 12 weeks after non-surgical treatment to detect residual disease. (R).