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World J Radiol. Jun 28, 2014; 6(6): 238-251
Published online Jun 28, 2014. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v6.i6.238
Published online Jun 28, 2014. doi: 10.4329/wjr.v6.i6.238
Application of fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in the management of head and neck cancers
Farzan Siddiqui, Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, United States
Min Yao, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States
Author contributions: Both authors contributed to review of literature and manuscript preparation.
Correspondence to: Min Yao, MD, PhD, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States. min.yao@uhhospitals.org
Telephone: +1-216-8443103 Fax: +1-216-8442005
Received: January 3, 2014
Revised: February 16, 2014
Accepted: March 7, 2014
Published online: June 28, 2014
Revised: February 16, 2014
Accepted: March 7, 2014
Published online: June 28, 2014
Core Tip
Core tip: Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) computed tomography (CT) scans should be obtained for patients for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck whenever clinically indicated and feasible. Pre-treatment scans are helpful in detecting the sites of primary cancer, staging the tumor and ruling out the presence of distant metastases. For patients undergoing radiation therapy, PET/CT scans provide anatomic as well as functional information to aid in treatment planning. After completion of radiotherapy, PET scans should be obtained approximately 12 wk after treatment to assess treatment response and to determine if any salvage therapy is required for persistent, recurrent or metastatic disease.