Diagnostic radiology of head and neck oncology

The rapid development of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging has resulted in numerous applications of these modalities in head and neck oncology. In the past year further refinements in diagnostic capabilities have been obtained in magnetic resonance imaging. Computed tomography is rapidly being replaced by magnetic resonance imaging as the study of choice in the majority of lesions in the larynx, pharynx, tongue, paranasal sinuses, and parapharyngeal space. Magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology, and in potential radioimmunolocalization of cancer deposits by monoclonal antibodies have great value for the detection of lymph node metastasis in the neck. Because more effective locoregional treatment has been developed, there is an increasing interest in the early diagnosis of distant metastases. The value of new technologies such as three-dimensional imaging and spectroscopy for imaging of primary tumors must be assessed.