Malignant tumors of the oral cavity and oropharynx: clinical, pathologic, and radiologic evaluation

Oral cancer staging established by magnetic resonance imaging

“…Based on these results and on literature data, it could be stated that clinical examination, anatomic pathology testing and diagnostic imaging modalities (which could include CT and MRI) are necessary to establish the staging of patients with oral cancer. According to Weber et al 13 and Scully and Bagan, 22 CT and MRI examinations seem to be the most important diagnostic tools when establishing pre-therapeutic staging of head and neck tumors. CT is essential, insofar as it provides a better evaluation of cervical lymph node involvement and invasion of bone cortices adjacent to the primary tumor area.…”

“…2,18 CT and MRI examinations are the most significant methods of diagnostic imaging in the preoperative staging of head and neck tumors, because they provide information on the extent of the lesion, infiltration of large vessels and lymph node metastasis, thereby facilitating treatment planning and prognosis. [12][13][14]19 During the preoperative phase of a patient's squamous cell carcinoma, CT scans are essential for evaluating the primary lesion and the possibility of bone invasion, and especially for defining involvement in cervical lymph node chains. [12][13][14]19 In the preoperative treatment of oral cancer, it has been shown that MRI is better for evaluating soft tissue, bone marrow involvement and perineural invasion, and has been particularly decisive in the diagnosis of small lesions.…”

“…[12][13][14]19 During the preoperative phase of a patient's squamous cell carcinoma, CT scans are essential for evaluating the primary lesion and the possibility of bone invasion, and especially for defining involvement in cervical lymph node chains. [12][13][14]19 In the preoperative treatment of oral cancer, it has been shown that MRI is better for evaluating soft tissue, bone marrow involvement and perineural invasion, and has been particularly decisive in the diagnosis of small lesions. 7,20,21 The discrepancies found in the comparisons between the staging established by clinical and MRI examinations demonstrate the importance of this study.…”

“…10,11 Of the imaging modalities, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) seem to be the most appropriate for the pre-therapeutic staging of head and neck tumors, because they provide information on the extent of the lesion, infiltration of large vessels and metastases in lymph nodes. 3,[12][13][14] The major advantage of MRI is that it provides excellent soft tissue detail visualization and does not involve any biological risks for the patient. Research that can facilitate or provide further information on staging means that patients will be adequately treated and consequently have a greater chance of being cured.…”

Newer imaging techniques in head and neck cancer

“…3 18 Flouride-flurodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET has in the last few years become an established modality in the management of several cancers. It is an imaging technique that provides information about the metabolic changes associated with cancer.…”