Advances in Functional Imaging in the Assessment of Head and Neck Cancer.

This article discusses the application of fludeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography (CT) technology in head and neck cancer diagnosis and management, as well as advantages and disadvantages relative to traditional imaging modalities. A successful scan relies on precise patient preparation, and compliance to specific protocols before and during the scan. Finally, this article briefly introduces a PET/CT scan recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for neuroendocrine tumors.