COMPUTER-TOMOGRAPHY OF CARCINOMAS OF THE ORAL CAVITY, OROPHARYNX AND HYPOPHARYNX

Carcinomas oropharynx represent 5% of all malignant neoplasms. The vas t majority, over 90%, are squamous cell carcinomas; less common are ly mphomas and tumors of the minor salivary glands. In general, the clini cal findings already suggest the presence of a tumor. Therefore, the r ole of imaging is precise tumor localisation and staging of the malign ancy. CT is still the gold standard, although MRI is gaining more impo rtance. We present the CT apperance Of most frequent malignancies of t he oral cavity, oro- and hypopharynx, discussing briefly the pertinent anatomy.