Role of 18-Fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography and subsequent panendoscopy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary.

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas of unknown primary (HNSCCUP) accounts for up to 10% of presenting head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Identification of the primary site allows for directed therapy. Where initial investigations have failed to locate the primary site, 18-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) has emerged as a useful tool with improved sensitivity over positron emission tomography alone. Following PET/CT scan, the role of subsequent panendoscopy ± biopsy has not been fully assessed. We aim to evaluate and quantify the role of PET/CT and subsequent panendoscopy in HNSCCUP.