Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Insights from Dual-Energy Computed Tomography (DECT)

Abstract

Head and neck cancer represents the seventh most common neoplasm worldwide, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most represented histologic variant. The rising incidence of the neoplastic pathology of this district, coupled with the drastic changes in its epidemiology over the past decades, have posed significant challenges to physicians worldwide in terms of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In order to meet these challenges, a considerable amount of effort has been spent by the authors of the recent literature to explore new technologies and their possible employment for the better diagnostic and prognostic definition of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Among these technologies, a growing interest has been gathering around the possible applications of dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in head and neck pathology. Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) utilizes two distinct X-ray energy spectra to obtain two datasets in a single scan, allowing for material differentiation based on unique attenuation profiles. DECT offers key benefits such as enhanced contrast resolution, reduced beam-hardening artifacts, and precise iodine quantification through monochromatic reconstructions. It also creates material decomposition images, like iodine maps, aiding in tumor characterization and therapy assessment. This paper aims to summarize recent findings on the use of DECT in HNSCC, providing a comprehensive overview to aid further research and exploration in the field.