Diagnostic imaging is superior to clinical staging in the detection of mali
gnant cervical lymphadenopathy, and thus helps influence therapy and progno
sis. The imaging modalities of CT, MRI, US and PET each have their own diag
nostic criteria, accuracy and limitations. Newer innovations such as functi
onal imaging, novel MRI contrast agents and FNAC are being appraised with t
he aim of identifying the micrometastases which are currently radiologicall
y occult.