DETECTION OF LYMPH-NODE METASTASES OF SQUAMOUS-CELL CANCER OF THE HEAD AND NECK WITH FDG-PET AND MRI

The uptake of 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-D-glucose (FDG) in neck lymph nod es of twelve patients with a squamous-cell carcinoma of the oral cavit y was studied with PET in order to detect and locate lymphogenic metas tases. Methods: The results of FDG-PET imaging were compared with clin ical, MRI and histopathologic findings. Standardized uptake values (SU V) were also calculated. Results: A sensitivity of 91% and a specifici ty of 88% were calculated for FDG-PET. In contrast, a sensitivity of 3 6% and a specificity of 94% were calculated for MRI. Calculated SUVs f or reactive lymph nodes, metastatic lymph nodes and the primary tumor were undifferentiated. Conclusion: Using FDG-PET, lymph node metastase s of squamous-cell carcinomas of the oral cavity can be visualized wit h a high sensitivity and specificity. FDG-PET can be an improvement in the evaluation of the neck.