Multimodal Imaging of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The role of imaging in the staging, treatment planning, and ongoing surveillance of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) continues to evolve. Changes in patient demographics, treatment paradigms, and technology present opportunities and challenges for the management of HNSCC.

The general indications and usage of standard and multimodal cross-sectional imaging in the evaluation and management of HNSCC are reviewed, with an emphasis on incorporating them into treatment pathways. Emerging imaging technologies and methods with a potential near-term impact on HNSCC are discussed.

In general, the complex, multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of advanced HNSCC requires multimodal imaging for adequate treatment planning and follow up. Early-stage disease can often be managed with clinical and endoscopic examinations and a single, cross-sectional imaging modality (eg, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging).

Although generalized treatment pathways and guidelines do exist, the literature is rapidly advancing and new radiotracers and evaluation methods are expected to alter both imaging and treatment recommendations in the years to come.