Is There a Need for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging to Stage the N0 Neck in T1-T2 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity or Oropharynx?

Authors:
  • MDMarkus Dietlein
    Markus Dietlein
  • CWClaus Wittekindt
    Claus Wittekindt
  • MOMonika Ortmann
    Monika Ortmann
  • HSHartmut Stuetzer
    Hartmut Stuetzer
  • JVJulia Vent
    Julia Vent
  • MJMarkus Jungehuelsing
    Markus Jungehuelsing
  • BKBarbara Krug
    Barbara Krug
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Abstract
Objectives: We assess whether negative findings on computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and/or 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ( 18 FDG-PET) may contribute to the decision-making process of elective neck dissection (eND) in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity or the oropharynx (oSCC) staged cT1-T2 cN0 cM0. Methods: We interpreted CT, MRI, and 18 FDG-PET images separately, after combining the data of CT with those of 18 FDG-PET and the data of MRI with those of 18 FDG-PET. Each set of results was then compared with the histopathologic results of ipsilateral or bilateral eND in a prospective, blinded study. Results: The histopathologic examination of 594 lymph nodes revealed 4 metastases less than 4 mm in diameter and 3 micrometastases (less than 2 mm) in 6 of 17 patients. On CT, MRI, and 18 FDG-PET, respectively, 5, 5, and 0 cases were true-malignant (true positives) and 4, 10, and 1 cases were false-malignant (false positives). The accuracy was not enhanced by fusing CT with 18 FDG-PET or MRI with 18 FDG-PET. Conclusions: The detectability threshold of occult metastases appears to be below the spatial and contrast resolution of CT, MRI, and 18 FDG-PET. The decision for eND in patients with cT1-T2 cN0 cM0 oSCC cannot be based upon cross-sectional imaging at the resolutions currently available.

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