Editorial

Abstract

Imaging plays an indispensable role in the initial diagnosis, pre-treatment and post-treatment management of patients with head and neck lesions. In this special EJR issue on Head and Neck Radiology, we have brought together experts to review and to update some common problems that we face in our day-to-day work. The contributions of these authors vary from reviewing diagnostic approaches that clarify clinical issues to the use of new imaging techniques to answer problems that conventional methods have failed to resolve.Cancer is a leading cause of death in most part of the world. Most patients will undergo multiple imaging studies following diagnosis and treatment. This special issue of Head and Neck Radiology covers various aspects of cancer imaging including ultrasound diagnosis and novel methods of demonstrating metastatic lymphadenopathy through the use of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) particles and diffusion-weighted imaging. This issue also reviews the importance of imaging in post-treatment management of cancer patients. The follow up of these patients often leads to the early detection of tumour recurrence or the onset of treatment complications. Early diagnosis may result in the timely institution of appropriate therapy thereby improving the survival and morbidity rates.Assessment of skull base lesions is often very challenging. Clinical evaluation of this region is difficult as it relatively inaccessible to direct inspection or palpation. Diagnosis and treatment of skull base disease is often impossible without imaging support. Radiologists must therefore be knowledgeable about the skull base anatomy, pathology and the main treatment options available along with their indications and contra-indications. This special EJR issue highlights some advances in imaging technique and the systematic diagnostic approach to both anterior and central skull base lesions. The lateral skull base (temporal bone) also receives focus in relation to the assessment of an opacified middle ear through the complementary use of CT and MRI. Imaging plays an indispensable role in the initial diagnosis, pre-treatment and post-treatment management of patients with head and neck lesions. In this special EJR issue on Head and Neck Radiology, we have brought together experts to review and to update some common problems that we face in our day-to-day work. The contributions of these authors vary from reviewing diagnostic approaches that clarify clinical issues to the use of new imaging techniques to answer problems that conventional methods have failed to resolve. Cancer is a leading cause of death in most part of the world. Most patients will undergo multiple imaging studies following diagnosis and treatment. This special issue of Head and Neck Radiology covers various aspects of cancer imaging including ultrasound diagnosis and novel methods of demonstrating metastatic lymphadenopathy through the use of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) particles and diffusion-weighted imaging. This issue also reviews the importance of imaging in post-treatment management of cancer patients. The follow up of these patients often leads to the early detection of tumour recurrence or the onset of treatment complications. Early diagnosis may result in the timely institution of appropriate therapy thereby improving the survival and morbidity rates. Assessment of skull base lesions is often very challenging. Clinical evaluation of this region is difficult as it relatively inaccessible to direct inspection or palpation. Diagnosis and treatment of skull base disease is often impossible without imaging support. Radiologists must therefore be knowledgeable about the skull base anatomy, pathology and the main treatment options available along with their indications and contra-indications. This special EJR issue highlights some advances in imaging technique and the systematic diagnostic approach to both anterior and central skull base lesions. The lateral skull base (temporal bone) also receives focus in relation to the assessment of an opacified middle ear through the complementary use of CT and MRI.