Fig. 1: Coronal CT image showing normal anatomy of oral cavity with puffed cheek: tongue (star), upper and lower gingivobuccal sulci (thin arrows), hard palate (block arrow) and buccal mucosa (curved arrow) ABSTRACT Cross-sectional imaging plays a vital role in the diagnostic evaluation of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. This article discusses important technical issues related to CT scan examination, cross-sectional anatomy, patterns of tumor spread and role of imaging in pretreatment staging and post-treatment surveillance.

Cross-sectional imaging plays a vital role in the diagnostic evaluation of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. This article discusses important technical issues related to CT scan examination, cross-sectional anatomy, patterns of tumor spread and role of imaging in pretreatment staging and post-treatment surveillance.