The role of imaging in head and neck cancer

Abstract

In this article, the importance of imaging, imaging characteristics, and the significance of several imaging modalities—as well as more recent imaging modalities—are discussed in relation to the assessment of head and neck cancer. Imaging tests are conducted as part of the pretreatment evaluation largely to ascertain the tumor's stage and search for an occult primary. If radiotherapy is being considered, it aids in planning the treatment and getting tissue samples to determine the diagnosis. Imaging can distinguish between postoperative and radiation alterations and persistent or recurrent disease. When evaluating the effectiveness of a treatment, imaging is also crucial.