Evaluation of color duplex echography in the preoperative staging of head and neck cancer

Background: The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the rating of low flow color duplex echography as a new technique in the preoperative staging of head and neck cancer. Methods: Forty-four patients with squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity, oropharynx, and hypopharynx were examined. Gray scale imaging as well as color duplex scan with doppler spectrum quantification were performed on each patient using a Siemens Quantum 2000 duplex scan with 7.5 MHz linear array. Results: Squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract as well as their metastases are poorly vascularized but show irregular vascular patterns. In comparison to gray scale echography estimation of tumor borderline is improved by imaging of peripheral tumor vessels. Furthermore, imaging of irregular central tumor vessels in metastatic lymphatic nodes renders important information for N-staging. Conclusion: Thus color duplex echography should be recommended for routine application in preoperative head and neck tumor staging.