[The clinical value of computed tomography in the pretherapeutic T-staging of orofacial tumors].

The clinical role of contrast-enhanced CT for pre-operative T-staging of oro-facial tumours was evaluated in 174 patients. During stages T1 and T2, clinical examination is 90% accurate and has a significantly higher sensitivity than CT, with an accuracy of only 53%. The clinical diagnosis of T1 and T2 is, however, made with undue frequency; CT makes it possible to obtain correct staging. Combination of CT and clinical examination can improve correct staging from 46% to 81%. During stages T3 and T4. CT has sensitivity of 91% and is markedly superior to clinical examination, with a sensitivity of 34%. Combined clinical and CT examination improves the predictive value from 52% to 92%. Combination of clinical and CT staging, when the higher stage is accepted as being correct, has a sensitivity and reliability of over 90%. It can be used as a firm basis for treatment planning, judging the prognosis and the effects of treatment.