Present and future role of FDG-PET/CT imaging in the management of head and neck carcinoma.

Integrated positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with 2-[(18)F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) is a useful technique for acquisition of both glucose metabolic and anatomic imaging data using a single device in a single diagnostic session, and has opened a new field in clinical oncologic imaging. FDG-PET/CT has been used successfully for the initial staging, restaging, monitoring of the response to therapy, and prognostication of head and neck carcinoma. The present review discusses the current role of FDG-PET/CT in the management of head and neck carcinoma, focusing on its usefulness and limitations for imaging in these patients.