[Value of computed tomography for tumors of the epi- and oropharynx]

The results of computed tomography in 89 patients with tumours of the epipharynx and oropharynx involving the mouth are compared with the findings of other forms of clinical examination. In 26 patients, CT provided additional relevant information, in eight patients CT provided less information than clinical examination. The value of CT depended largely on the localisation of the tumour; the poorest results were found in tumours of the tonsils and the soft palate. CT provided additional information most commonly with large tumours, since these are frequently associated with bone destruction, local infiltration and occlusion of large vessels.