Ultrasound in the Re-Staging of Cervical Metastases after Chemoradiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

AbstractHigh-resolution ultrasonography, including color duplex modes, is a well-established and proven imaging method that is used in addition to computed tomography for re-staging after primary nonsurgical therapy for head and neck cancer in many European countries. No evidence-based international re-staging guidelines are available. Decisions as to whether to carry out neck dissection after primary radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy are often made in the relevant tumor boards and are therefore subject to variance. High-resolution ultrasonography clearly detects morphological changes such as intranodal necrotic areas and alterations in the hilar vascularization pattern. Another important aspect of ultrasonography is that it allows accurate check-ups on dynamic changes during the follow-up period. This article reviews the role of ultrasonography in the follow-up and re-staging of patients with neck disease after primary chemoradiotherapy.