Perfusion CT of head and neck cancer

Eur J Radiol. 2014 Mar;83(3):537-44. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2013.12.008. Epub 2013 Dec 16.

Abstract

We aim to review the technique and clinical applications of perfusion CT (PCT) of head and neck cancer. The clinical value of PCT in the head and neck includes detection of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) as it allows differentiation of HNSCC from normal muscles, demarcation of tumor boundaries and tumor local extension, evaluation of metastatic cervical lymph nodes as well as determination of the viable tumor portions as target for imaging-guided biopsy. PCT has been used for prediction of treatment outcome, differentiation between post-therapeutic changes and tumor recurrence as well as monitoring patient after radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. PCT has a role in cervical lymphoma as it may help in detection of response to chemotherapy and early diagnosis of relapsing tumors.

Keywords: Head and neck; Perfusion CT; Recurrence; Squamous cell carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnostic imaging*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnostic imaging*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Perfusion Imaging / methods*
  • Radiographic Image Enhancement / methods*
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*