COMPARATIVE IMAGING OF TONGUE CANCERS

In a comparative study of 18 cases of tongue cancer examined with ultr asonography, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI), the authors assess the advantages and disadvantages of each tech nique. MRI seems to be more effective for the detection of small lesio ns, the examination of the mobile part of the tongue, in case of denta l artifacts, for the study of regional extension and to sceen recurren ce. CT retains its indications for large tumors in patients who are in a poor general condition, tired, and cannot stand lengthy examination s. Ultrasonography remains the first-intention examination in all case s because of its indisputable superiority for lymph node examination.