Published in:
19-10-2020 | Metastasis | Original Article
Utilization of PET/CT Scan in Head and Neck Carcinoma: A Tertiary Care Hospital Experience
Published in: Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery | Special Issue 2/2022
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Objective
PET/CT scan has been increasingly used in assessment of Head and Neck cancer prior to treatment for evaluation and for surveillance. In this study we aim to assess the utilization of PET/CT scan at a tertiary care hospital.
Methods
Retrospectively data was reviewed of all patients of Head and Neck cancer who underwent PET/CT scan for workup or for follow-up between July 2018 and December 2019. PET/CT scan done in the pre-treatment assessment and post-treatment surveillance were analyzed for its utility.
Results
A total of 145 patients were included. The main indication for pre-treatment PET/CT scan was loco-regionally advanced disease (62 of 90 patients, 68.8%). No specific indication was noted in 19 patients (21%). A significant change in treatment decision was seen in pre-treatment patients based on M stage following a PET/CT scan. However, no change was noted on the basis of T or N stage. In the post-treatment surveillance there was a significant correlation of type of recurrence with clinical assessment and indication for PET/CT scan. 37 out of 87 patients (42.5%) underwent PET/CT scan for no specific reason, of which, 07 patients (18.9%) were detected to have distant metastasis.
Conclusion
Role of PET/CT in the pre-treatment assessment is very limited and maybe confined to advanced local or regional disease. Post-treatment surveillance with PET/CT scan has a promising role and must be done as a baseline during 1st follow up at 03 months in all patients who have advanced disease and have undergone multi-modality treatment for the same.