Diagnostic imaging aids to head and neck radiation oncology

Tumors of the head and neck are primary sites for radiation treatment. In combination with surgery, the role of radiation is further expanded; however, localization of the primary tumor and its metastases, actual or potential, and the relationship to critical structures are quintessential to the application of radiation. In this process, the information made available by appropriate imaging studies as interpreted by the diagnostic radiologist is a requirement for cancer management.