[The clinical value of contrast CT in lymph node staging in the neck region]

Pre-treatment CT examinations of 333 patients with squamous carcinomas in the head and neck region have been analysed. Two hundred and six patients had lymph-node metastases and lymph-node staging was ascertained. The criteria for metastatic involvement were lymph node size greater than 15 mm. and changes in structure (inhomogeneity, central hypodensity and ring enhancement). CT had a sensitivity of 93% and accuracy of 89%. This was better than palpation (sensitivity 64%, accuracy 72%). CT can be regarded as a reliable basis for treatment planning.