Ultrasound: An Effective Imaging Method for the Early Detection of Recurrent Head and Neck Tumors

Abstract

Early diagnosis and correct staging of a malignant tumor are the basic requirements for effective primary therapy with the intention of achieving primary control of the locoregional process. Prognosis and quality of life in patients with tumorous diseases in the head and neck region are determined much more by a locoregional recurrence than by distant metastases, which occur infrequently and late at advanced stages. In cases of primary failure the detection of an, if possible, incipient local and/or regional relapse is of major importance for effective secondary therapy [3]. In addition to the often difficult clinical examination — which yields only limited information, especially in cases of fibrotic changes mainly after operation and radiotherapy — imaging procedures such as posttherapeutic ultrasound screening help to distinguish recurrent disease from mere therapy-induced residues.