Head and neck nodal anatomy. A multimodality imaging approach

Abstract

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Learning Objectives: 1. To review the most current classification of head and neck lymph node anatomy. 2. To delineate lymph node anatomy in head and neck malignancy with the use of PET/CT and 3D renderings. 3. To describe the benefits of PET/CT in accurate node classification.

Abstract Body: Early detection and accurate nodal staging is essential for prognosis and therapy in patients with head and neck cancer. However characterizing these nodes can be difficult due to the complexity of the regional lymph node anatomy. Previous research has shown combined PET/CT multimodality imaging to be more accurate for the delineation of malignancies than either PET or CT alone. Diagnostically, PET/CT is significantly better than CT in detecting functionally active regions of interest. However, PET/CT has not yet been applied to delineate head and neck nodal anatomy. The purpose of this exhibit is to facilitate lymph node identification with the help of PET/CT as well as 3D imaging techniques. To accomplish this, anatomical diagrams, triangulated 2D slices, and volume renderings of case studies will be presented. The use of 3D renderings depicts head and neck node divisions in a clear and unambiguous medium which leads to a more accurate description of nodes.