Furthermore, preprocedural assessment with advanced MRI techniques may serve to identify internal sites of greater cellularity as a target for fine-needle aspiration [107]. Combined pre- and postcontrast imaging provides the best opportunity to correctly identify and delineate the primary site. Contrast administration aids in detecting of subtle mass extension and invasion of surrounding structures and in identifying perineural tumor spread [108]. MRI Orbits, Face, and Neck Without IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the routine use of MRI orbits, face, and neck with IV contrast in the initial staging of suspected or diagnosed cancer of a major salivary gland. Combined pre- and postcontrast imaging provides the best opportunity to correctly identify and delineate the primary site. The absence of IV contrast limits the ability to accurately delineate the margin and the soft tissue extent of the tumor, which is a key component in the T staging of disease and essential for surgical planning. However, noncontrast MR sequences are routinely used to identify the primary tumor, define tumor extent, in particular marrow involvement, and are used in nodal staging. Radiography Paranasal Sinuses There is no relevant literature to support the use of radiography of the paranasal sinuses in the initial staging of suspected or diagnosed cancer of a major salivary gland. US Neck US allows for the detection and localization of major salivary gland tumors as well as regional nodal staging. US is often considered an appropriate first-line examination in the characterization of accessible salivary masses, in particular for submandibular gland tumors and masses of the superficial lobe of the parotid gland [107,108,112]. The superficial location of the major salivary glands renders their evaluation with high-resolution US an effective and safe modality for initial assessment [112,116].
Staging and Post Therapy Assessment of Head and Neck Cancer. Furthermore, preprocedural assessment with advanced MRI techniques may serve to identify internal sites of greater cellularity as a target for fine-needle aspiration [107]. Combined pre- and postcontrast imaging provides the best opportunity to correctly identify and delineate the primary site. Contrast administration aids in detecting of subtle mass extension and invasion of surrounding structures and in identifying perineural tumor spread [108]. MRI Orbits, Face, and Neck Without IV Contrast There is no relevant literature to support the routine use of MRI orbits, face, and neck with IV contrast in the initial staging of suspected or diagnosed cancer of a major salivary gland. Combined pre- and postcontrast imaging provides the best opportunity to correctly identify and delineate the primary site. The absence of IV contrast limits the ability to accurately delineate the margin and the soft tissue extent of the tumor, which is a key component in the T staging of disease and essential for surgical planning. However, noncontrast MR sequences are routinely used to identify the primary tumor, define tumor extent, in particular marrow involvement, and are used in nodal staging. Radiography Paranasal Sinuses There is no relevant literature to support the use of radiography of the paranasal sinuses in the initial staging of suspected or diagnosed cancer of a major salivary gland. US Neck US allows for the detection and localization of major salivary gland tumors as well as regional nodal staging. US is often considered an appropriate first-line examination in the characterization of accessible salivary masses, in particular for submandibular gland tumors and masses of the superficial lobe of the parotid gland [107,108,112]. The superficial location of the major salivary glands renders their evaluation with high-resolution US an effective and safe modality for initial assessment [112,116].