ABSTRACT
IMAGING AND PROGNOSIS IN HEAD AND NECK SQUAMOUS CELL CANCER
Lymphatic metastasis is the most important mechanism in the spread of most head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC).The presence of lymph node metastases determines to a great extent the chances of locoregional cure or the development of distant metastases. The overall incidence of distant metastases in HNSCC ranges from 4 to 26%1,2. Moreover, autopsy studies reported a much higher incidence (40-57%)3-5.The lungs, the skeletal system, and the liver are the most frequent sites of distant metastases5. De Bree et al.6 have shown that in patients with three or more nodal metastases, bilateral or low jugular lymph node metastases, large lymph node metastases ( 6 cm), or second primary malignancies, a search for distant metastases, based on a high risk, is warranted.
