Pitfalls in the staging of cancer of oral cavity cancer.

Oral cavity cancer comprises nearly 30% of all malignant tumors of the head and neck. After a definitive diagnosis has been made, imaging is essential for staging the primary tumor by evaluating submucosal spread and invasion of adjacent structures, and to identify nodal or distant metastasis. Oral cavity anatomy is one of the most complex in the head and neck. Therefore, knowledge of anatomic subsites and spread patterns is critical for accurate staging. This article begins with a discussion of imaging techniques, and then presents a detailed review of normal anatomy followed by imaging's role in tumor staging highlighting potential pitfalls.