[Scanography in tumors of the face]

The scanner clearly represents considerable progress in techniques of radiological investigation. Its essential contribution in malignant pathology of the face is a more accurate assessment of tumour spread into the soft tissues, in particular the pterygo-palatine-fossa and parapharyngeal regions, but also the orbit and endocranium. Spread to the latter two regions could be assessed prior to the scanner era only by invasive techniques. Certain pseudo-malignant lesions may also be usefully investigated in this way, the scanner providing information which cannot be obtained by conventional techniques.