Radiological staging for squamous carcinoma of the head and neck: a standardised practice?

The choice of investigations for radiological staging of squamous carcinoma of the head and neck can be highly variable. The aims of this study were to establish the practice amongst otolaryngologists in Scotland, to determine what, if any, consensus of practice exists and also to stimulate debate in this controversial area. The results of a postal survey to which there was a 65% response rate are reported. Of the primary sites, the greatest consensus on the need for imaging was of the nasopharynx, oropharynx and hypopharynx. For metastatic disease, all respondents imaged the chest but most did not image the abdomen or skeleton. The results for the other sites and imaging modalities chosen are discussed. A protocol for radiological staging based on the survey findings and interpretation of the literature is suggested.