Computer tomography of carcinomas of the oral cavity, oropharynx and hypopharynx

Carcinomas oropharynx represent 5% of all malignant neoplasms. The vast majority, over 90%, are squamous cell carcinomas; less common are lymphomas and tumors of the minor salivary glands. In general, the clinical findings already suggest the presence of a tumor. Therefore, the role of imaging is precise tumor localisation and staging of the malignancy. CT is still the gold standard, although MRI is gaining more importance. We present the CT apperance Of most frequent malignancies of the oral cavity, oro- and hypopharynx, discussing briefly the pertinent anatomy.