Seminars in nuclear medicine
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This article summarizes the recent literature in (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose/positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging of head and neck cancers and extends the previous review in this area by Schöder and Yeung in the July 2004 issue of Seminars in Nuclear Medicine. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET-CT) imaging is now used widely but has not been adequately evaluated for head and neck cancer. Its accuracy in initial staging is better than CT but may be similar to magnetic resonance imaging. ⋯ One month seems to be too early. The ideal time seems to be 3 to 4 months to avoid both false-positive and false-negative studies. The growing use of PET-CT studies in head and neck cancer will certainly make a significant difference in the treatment and outcome in this disease.