[Malignant tumors of the mouth and pharynx--MR tomography with surface coils]

The place of MRT, using surface coils, has been evaluated retrospectively in 27 patients with clinically confirmed malignant tumours of the mouth and pharynx. The extent of the tumour and its relationship to neighbouring structures is well demonstrated. The resolution obtainable by using surface coils is almost as good as that of CT. Soft tissue contrast is better in showing the spread and size of the tumour. A disadvantage of MRT is the inability in most cases to demonstrate bone destruction. Differentiation between residual tumour, recurrence and scarring is possible only occasionally. Quantitative MRT may be expected to lead to improved diagnosis during the course of following up.