Indian clinical practice pre-treatment imaging guidelines for head-and-neck cancers

Abstract

Site-specific imaging for head-and-neck cancers is essential to convey the relevant information on the radiological tumor stage accurately to the surgeons/treating physicians, thus helping them to decide upon the management. Additionally, the role of imaging cannot be overemphasized for neck screening for nodes and metastasis. Certain crucial structures at each head-and-neck site elude direct visualization on clinical examination; hence, it is pertinent to be aware of these structures, the involvement of which, on imaging, can change the management plan from curative to palliative intent. Though international guidelines exist, there have been no dedicated imaging guidelines for head-and-neck cancers in India. We propose site-specific pre-treatment imaging guidelines for various head-and-neck cancers and neck nodes, including the choice of imaging modalities for each site, protocols, and management implications of crucial structure involvement at each site. By proposing these recommendations, we intend to standardize head-and-neck imaging throughout the country.