PET imaging of head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancers (HNC) are the sixth most common cancer worldwide. An estimated 630,000 patients are diagnosed annually, resulting in more than 350,000 deaths annually. The advent of positron emission tomography (PET) has improved the staging, treatment evaluation, and detection of recurrent disease in patients with HNSCC’s. The role of PET/CT in oncology has revolutionized our understanding and ability to diagnose and treat HNC’s. As with any modality limitations exist and these can only be addressed through more extensive research. Learning the anatomical landmarks and the distinction between normal and abnormal FDG physiologic uptake patterns will ensure that radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians make accurate decisions at all stages of patient care.