Magnetic resonance tomographic staging of tumours of the mouth, the oropharynx and hypopharynx and of the larynx

Thirty-six patients with tumours of the mouth, the oropharynx and hypopharynx and the larynx were examined by nuclear resonance tomography. The results were compared with the clinical findings of inspection and palpation and with CT and sonography, with respect to T and N classification. In seven patients the classification could be confirmed at operation. NMR provides very good anatomical detail and marked contrast between tumour and the surrounding tissues, particularly on T2 weighted images. NMR showed the best correlation with the clinical findings as regards the T classification and was the most accurate method, as confirmed by surgery. It is superior to CT and sonography for diseases in the oropharynx and hypopharynx. For the examination of the cervical lymphatics, sonography remains the recommended method. (orig.)